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| West Columbia smoking ban to be discussed |
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Sep 15, 2008 |
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Officials to consider whether city should order no smoking in workplaces
The State: By TIM FLACH, tflach@thestate.com
West Columbia might become the next Midlands community to extinguish smoking at local workplaces.
City leaders will listen to what business owners and anti-smoking advocates have to say tonight at a meeting on the proposed ban.
West Columbia would become the fifth area community to adopt a ban. Similar limits start next month in nearby Columbia and Lexington.
City leaders in West Columbia appear split on the ban, said Mayor Bobby Horton, who supports it.
?There are health concerns that override business concerns,? said Horton, a former smoker.
Supporters say the ban is a way to reduce hazards from secondhand smoke for customers and employees in 700 businesses in West Columbia.
But critics said a ban should be a choice left to business owners, particularly in restaurants and bars where smoking is traditional.
?On this topic, I don?t think it?s the city?s job to tell businesses how to operate,? councilman Tommy Parler said.
The West Metro Chamber of Commerce is taking a wait-and-see approach while its 400 members decide on a stance, executive director Gregg Pinner said.
Meanwhile, neighboring municipalities might join the trend.
?It?s something we?ll need to address at some point in the not-too-distant future,? Cayce city councilman Rick Myerssaid.
Officials in Springdale are looking at the idea, Mayor Pat Smith said.
Some Lexington County Council members hope to put a ban in place by spring in unincorporated areas, matching what Richland County has done.
But Irmo leaders balked at a ban, ensuring their town remains an island for workplace smoking.
Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.
? 2008 TheState.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.thestate.com |
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