MOYOCK -- When you bring up a smoking ban in one of the country's top tobacco states, you are bound to get angry reactions.
"The smoking ban, excuse me, but it sucks," said smoker Edward Brickhouse. "It's reverse discrimination."
Starting Saturday, smokers will no longer be able to light up inside most bars and restaurants in North Carolina. Instead, smokers will have to puff outside or on patios.
There are only a few exceptions, like those for non-profit private clubs and cigar bars.
"I don't think it's a fair thing to do. I don't think it's right," said smoker Randy Slater. "Just like non-smokers have rights, smokers have rights too."
A similar ban started in Virginia Dec. 1. Many businesses tried to fight the law by saying it would keep customers away.
Brian Butler says he still goes out in Virginia but others don't because of the ban.
"Cigarettes and alcohol have been hand-in-hand in bars for I don't know how long," explained Butler. "People just come to smoke when they drink."
But at Southland BBQ, workers are not worried about business. They think the new smoking ban will attract more customers.
"I think it's pretty awesome they're doing that," said employee Angela Scribner. "A lot of people that come in here can't deal with the smoke because they have asthma or something."
The ban starts at midnight Jan. 2. Those who continue to smoke can face a $50 fine.
