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| West Columbia smoking ban 'a hard sell' |
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Sep 16, 2008 |
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The STATE: By TIM FLACH, tflach@thestate.com
A ban on smoking in West Columbia workplaces promises to be ?a hard sell,? Mayor Bobby Hortonsaid Monday.
His prediction came as three of eight City Council members lined up against the proposal after local residents split on the idea.
?We?ve got a tough row to hoe,? Horton told supporters. ?It?s going to be a hard sell.?
West Columbia is the sixth area community to consider a step promoted as a way to reduce the danger of secondhand smoke in restaurants, bars, stores and offices. Four communities adopted a ban, with Irmo balking at it.
Some West Columbia city leaders ? including nonsmokers ? called the step overkill.
Requiring a smoke-free atmosphere is ?overstepping our boundaries,? councilwoman Marsha Mooresaid.
The state Supreme Court ruled municipalities may adopt a ban.
Smoking control is better left to business owners sensitive to what customers prefer, Councilman B.J. Unthank said. ?It should be self-regulating,? he said.
A dozen city residents showed up Monday at the hearing, some applauding the idea and others panning it.
Smoking is ?very offensive to put up with? and should be off-limits nearly everywhere, Gretchen McCabesaid.
Others said it should be tolerated. ?Don?t tell me how to live my life,? said mo-ped dealer Greg King.
City leaders will look at exemptions for private clubs before deciding on the proposal this fall.
Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.
? 2008 TheState.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.thestate.com |
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