Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch: Public Smoking Complaint Form

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Complaint Form: Reporting Violation(s)

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT SMOKING IN CERTAIN PUBLIC PLACES AND CERTAIN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT of 2009 requires enclosed areas of almost all restaurants and bars to be smoke-free effective January 2, 2010. Smoking is also banned in enclosed areas of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and inns, if food and drink are prepared there. The law allows lodging establishments to reserve up to 20% of guest rooms for smoking.

If you observe or note a possible violation, please notify the owner or manager of the establishment.�They are responsible for compliance and are required to direct a person who is smoking to extinguish the lighted tobacco product.

If you observe or note a possible violation of the law, you can report it to a local health department for further action by completing and submitting the Public Smoking Complaint form.

Complaint Filing Instructions

To report any observed smoking in restaurants, bars, and lodging establishments (which prepare and serve food and drink) in North Carolina:

Please read and accept the "Acknowledgement of Complaint Process" (below) and click the "Begin" button.
Complete steps / screens 2-4.
- For more information or to report a potential violation, call (919) 707-5400 or your local health department. If calling after normal business hours, you may leave a message and your call will be returned. Information about potential violations will be shared with Local Health Directors who have responsibility for enforcement in their county.

The online complaint process starts below. Note: Javascript and cookies must be enabled in your browser.

» Step 1: Acknowledgment of Complaint Process

* You may file a complaint when you feel that the law is not being followed.

* All completed forms will be forwarded to the local health department serving the area where the business is located. Local health departments have the sole authority to enforce the law related to businesses that are not compliant with the law.

* Complaints are a matter of public record and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

* Information entered in the complaint form, including your name, will be provided to local health departments so they have the necessary information to follow up on complaints.

* If you do not want to leave your name and contact information, you can leave your complaint anonymously, but the local health department will not be able to contact you if further information is required.

CHECK THE BOX TO SHOW YOU UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION IN THIS COMPLAINT WILL BE RELEASED TO THE AUTHORIZED ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.