Spartanburg Council Votes In Favor Of Smoking Ban

Spartanburg's smoking ban ordinance passed the first reading during a City Council meeting Monday.
The new proposal could mean that smoking would be banned inside restaurants, and smokers at those establishments must be 15 feet away from entrances and exits before they light up. The proposal also bans smoking at outdoor events like Jazz on the Square.
"I would have no problem with the ordinance if it was rewritten to when an establishment could serve food in an outdoor environment and allow smoking at the same time," said Bradley Carter, a smoker.
During the meeting, those on both sides of the heated debate were asked to take a deep breath before speaking.
"I am just thrilled," said Jan Benajmin, a non-smoker who supports the ban.
Benjamin stood in front of the council and talked about her stepfather, who died from lung cancer. She said she blames second-hand smoke.
"To be able to go into an eating establishment, a restaurant here in Spartanburg, and not have to worry about whether there's going to be a smoker next to you, is a wonderful thing," Benjamin said.
After discussion and debate, council members voted to pass the proposal.
Councilman Robert Reeder, who voted against the proposal, said he doesn't support smoking in restaurants, but believes there should be a designated area for smokers at outdoor events.
"I'm not for smoking, but we're using taxpayers' money for these events," Reeder said. "When we're using taxpayers' money for these events and we stated earlier that there will be a designated area, then we come back and change that, they have the right to participate in smoking."
If the proposal becomes law, businesses like cigar bars would be exempt from the ban.
Council members said the ban will be complaint driven, meaning police will first give business owners a warning, but the next time they would be given a ticket.
Fines would range anywhere from $25 to $100. If a business owner tells a customer to stop smoking and he or she won't, then police would give the customer the fine, not the business owner.
Council members will have their second reading on the ban in two weeks.