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2019 Tobacco and E-Cigarette Proposed Rule

On December 17, 2019, the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board considered a rule that would prohibit the use of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) in county, town and city-owned buildings, vehicles and grounds, as well as in public places in New Hanover County, like restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and public sidewalks. The rule will go before the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners in February 2020.

Review the proposed rule here.

If the Board of Commissioners approve this local rule, e-cigarettes will be banned in the same places as tobacco cigarettes, and smoking/vaping would not be allowed in other places the public congregates or is permitted.

The table below describes where people would and would not be able to smoke/vape should the proposed rule be approved by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.

Places people would be able to smoke/vape

Places people would NOT be able to smoke/vape
  • Personal residence
  • County, Town and City buildings
  • Personal vehicle
  • County, Town and City vehicles
  • Designated areas of unenclosed sections in restaurants and bars.
  • Any County, Town and City streets and grounds, except where expressly permitted.
  • Privately owned unenclosed areas (business parking lot, business patio, etc.)
  • County, Town and City parks, playgrounds, athletic field and trails except where expressly permitted
  • Smoking/E-cigarette shop
  • Bus stops on County, Town or City grounds
  • Cigar bar
  • Sidewalks owned by the County, Town or City
  • Designated smoking/vaping guest room in a lodging establishment
  • Public Transportation
  • Private club
  • Child Care Facilities
  • Movie, TV, theater or other live production set, only for the actor portraying smoking/vaping
  • Shopping Malls & Retail Stores
  • Elevators
  • Polling Places
  • Public Restrooms
  • Restaurants and Bars (except where expressly permitted in unenclosed areas)
  • Galleries, Libraries and Museums
  • Theaters, Entertainment and Sports Arenas
  • Gaming facilities including Internet Sweepstakes
  • Lobbies, hallways and common areas in multi-unit residential facilities (apartment buildings, retirement facilities, nursing homes, etc.)
  • Offices and commercial establishments where the public is invited or permitted.

*This rule does not apply to any property owned, leased or maintained by the State of North Carolina

Make a comment about a Board of Health rule»

Application Costs*

*Fees are subject to change. Listings are a general representation of application costs. As each project is different, please call (910) 798-6667 for the most accurate cost assessment and a complete list of applications.

Health: 2029 S. 17th Street • Wilmington, NC 28401 • Phone 910-798-6500 • Fax 910-341-4146 • Medical Records Fax 910-772-7805
Environmental Health: 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 140 • Wilmington, NC 28403 • Phone 910-798-6667 • Fax 910-798-7815