City Smoking Ban WIll Effect More than Bars, Restaurants

A Simpsonville smoking ban goes into effect on Sept. 1, and far from merely impacting patrons in bars and restaurants, it also will impact outdoor events as well, The Greenvile News reported.

For example, festival-goers at the upcoming Labor Day Family Fun Festival will themselves being forced to step outside the event's boundaries if they want to light up, since the ban also covers certain outdoor areas, including the Charter Amphitheatre and events on city streets and property.

However, Mayor Perry Eichor told the paper that other than blatant disregard of the law, or complaints, citizens shouldn't expect draconian enforcement of the new law, which City Council passed narrowly in April.

"Violators risk fines of $10 to $25. Businesses that allow smoking face the same fines and could have their occupancy permits and business licenses suspended or revoked for repeated violations. The Simpsonville law is virtually identical to the one in Greenville that stood up to a state Supreme Court challenge, helping open the door to local smoking ordinances statewide," according to the paper.

More here.