Click here to read the bill (.pdf)
Various state officials and legislators joined Perdue in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol Building for the ceremony. Perdue called it a historic moment for a state that she said was built on the tobacco industry.
"This is a historic day for North Carolina," said Perdue. "But more important than the history that we are making is the positive impact we are having on public health. By banning smoking in our restaurants and bars, we will greatly reduce the dangers of secondhand smoke and lower health care costs for families."
The bill passed last week and allows fines of up to $50 for any caught smoking after being asked to stop. There is another fine up to $200 for managers of businesses who have been warned twice to enforce the rule.
More than 30 states have passed similar legislation.
