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Raleigh adopts state-model smoking and vaping ordinance; council directs city attorney to prepare draft
Summary
Council directed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance based on the North Carolina DHHS model to expand non-smoking regulations to vaping in city buildings, parks, vehicles and other public spaces; the measure establishes clearer signage and enforcement pathways.
After comparing two approaches — a prescriptive state model with explicit enforcement requirements and a more educational Wake County model — the City Council on Jan. 6 unanimously directed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance based on the North Carolina DHHS model to expand non-smoking rules to vaping and align city code with the state model.
The Wake County representative described the county’s experience adopting a model focused on education and public-health implementation rather than enforcement; several council members said they preferred the state model because it provides clearer implementation and enforcement mechanisms (including signage obligations and responsibilities for persons in charge of regulated spaces). The city attorney said adoption of the state model will require coordination with RPD for enforcement and with city staff for implementation of signage and other administrative steps.
Council instructed staff to draft the ordinance consistent with the DHHS model for council consideration at a future meeting.
