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| Lexington smoking ban gets initial OK |
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Aug 5, 2008 |
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The State: By TIM FLACH, tflach@thestate.com
Smoking could be snuffed out in restaurants, bars, stores and most offices in Lexington by early October.
Town Council gave initial approval unanimously to the ban Monday.
It would take effect 30 days after final adoption, a step that could come as soon as Sept. 2.
The seven council members ? all nonsmokers ? cut the waiting period from 60 days to 30.
That means Lexington?s ban would begin almost simultaneously with those in Columbia and Richland County that start Oct. 1.
?Secondhand smoke is not safe,? said Councilman Ted Stambolitis, who doesn?t allow it at his Flight Deck restaurant. ?A smoking ban does nothing but help people.?
Approval of the proposal won plaudits from a dozen anti-smoking advocates who came to support the idea.
Musicians ?should not have to sacrifice their health to earn a living? playing in venues traditionally smoke-filled, said Vicki Whitehead, executive director of the Music and Songwriters Guild of South Carolina.
One of the few exceptions to Lexington?s ban would allow hotels and motels to rent up to 20 percent of rooms to smokers.
Smokers who violate the ban would be subject to fines of $25 to $100. Town officials could seek to close sites for repeated violation.
Lexington would be the first community in Lexington County with a ban.
Some County Council members want to follow suit, while supporters are working to reverse rejection in Irmo.
Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.
? 2008 TheState.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.thestate.com |
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| PO Box 1017 Prosperity, South Carolina 29127 PH (803) 364-1011 FAX (803) 364-0116 |
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