Tobacco.org

Smoking ordinance not on Seneca’s radar  

While multiple municipalities in Pickens County have garnered praise from state health officials for their citywide no-smoking ordinances in businesses and restaurants, there appears to be little concern about pursuing similar laws in Seneca.

“Unfortunately that’s one of those things you really do get a lot of mixed emotions on,” Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie O’Kelley said. “I know there are some who would love for us to do it.”

O’Kelley added that many restaurants and businesses in Seneca already prohibit smoking on their own accord. O’Kelley added, however, that he had concerns about a city government restricting personal choices.

“I don’t smoke, so of course I don’t like it,” O’Kelley said. “But you’ve also got to have some personal freedoms. I don’t want to make smokers in Seneca second-hand citizens.”

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