Posted on 06/05/2003 12:43:07 AM PDT by Captain Shady
Article published Jun 5, 2003
Legislator wants to outlaw bans on smoking
Associated Press
CHARLESTON -- You might call it a ban on smoking bans. State Rep. John Graham Altman III, R-Charleston, has filed a bill that would prohibit municipalities from banning smoking in bars and many restaurants.
The bill was filed as Charleston is considering a citywide ban on smoking in most indoor public places. Altman says it is fine if bars and restaurants want to ban smoking, but the government should not force them to do so. "This is an issue of government becoming more and more socialistic and telling the owners and operators of private property what they can and can't do," he said.
Under his proposal, municipalities could not ban smoking in businesses with valid alcohol permits. Cities that did so would risk losing various state funds.
Customers can decide whether they want to go to a place where smoking is allowed and employees have the option of working elsewhere, Graham said. "I think we ought to trust the marketplace to work," he said.
But Paul Tinkler, the Charleston city councilman pushing for a city smoking ban, called Altman's bill "boneheaded."
"Would John Graham also propose that we let drivers decide how fast they can drive, or contractors decide whether they are going to comply with the building code?" he asked.
Tinker said there is increasing evidence that secondhand smoke is harmful to nonsmokers. He said the bill would violate the right of local governments to set policy.
Charleston City Council will have a public hearing and could give initial approval to the smoking ban later this month. It would ban smoking in nearly all indoor places other than homes, some hotel rooms and what are called "smoking bars" -- places that sell tobacco products for smoking on the premises.
Altman said lawmakers probably won't consider his bill until next year, but says the chances for passage appear good. Tom Sponseller, president of the Hospitality Association of South Carolina, said his group supports Altman's effort.
Altman said Charleston might back off its proposed ban. "I think that City Council might come to its senses if enough people talk to them," he said.
This is great news that the idea is spreading... Cudos to South Carolina.
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