15 December 2010 - 16:34Charleston TV Stations Cover Push for Summerville Smoking Ban

We have been working with Smoke Free Lowcountry Coalition (SFC) to ensure that Summerville workers have the same protection from secondhand smoke exposure on the job. The bill passed at the first reading on Dec. 8, and a second and final reading is scheduled for Jan. 12. The public is invited to share their opinions during the public hearing period at the beginning of the Town Council meeting. Dorchester County is also introducing a smoking ordinance on Jan. 18.

Here are some facts about smoking ordinances:

• A successful smokefree ordinance in Summerville will bring the total to 38 municipalities and cover more than 1,400,000 South Carolinians. Locally, Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Hollywood and Ravenel are covered by smokefree laws
• Currently, 74.1 % of Americans are covered by some kind of smokefree workplace ordinance.
• There are 3,173 municipalities that have passed laws that restrict where smoking is allowed
• 22 states have a law in effect that prohibits smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars

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