Jump to full article: Columbia (SC) State, 2009-09-01
Intro: The Richland council is scheduled to take a final vote today on a proposal that would allow an establishment to operate "a portion of its workplace" as a "designated smoking area" as long as that area is separate from its nonsmoking area and has its own outside entrance and a separate heating and air system. This preposterous proposal would defeat the primary purpose of the smoking ban, unnecessarily exposing workers to secondhand smoke. . . .
There is growing sentiment among local communities that a web of smoking bans should be approved to protect workers and the public. Richland County wisely joined that movement by passing its smoking ban. This is no time to give ground.
It hasn't yet been proven that patrons abandon bars and restaurants -- or bingo parlors -- that don't allow smoking. Richland officials concerned about that have an alternative to making unwise changes in the county's smoking ban. They could -- and should -- approach neighboring governments about adopting uniform smoking bans. It makes sense for all parts of Lexington and Richland counties to have similar bans. Making public accommodations in the two counties smoke-free would address businesses' concerns that patrons will abandon them for nearby competitors.
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