It’s another big example of how much my native North Carolina has changed.

The General Assembly has approved a smoking ban, and Governor Beverly Perdue says she will sign it into law.

That’s right.  A smoking ban in the state where tobacco has been king for generations.

The ban applies to most restaurants and bars.  Private clubs and cigar bars are excluded.

If you’re smoking and refuse to stop, you can be fined up to fifty dollars.

The ban would take effect January 2, 2010.