Rock Hill Bans smoking will York County Follow? (Mayo: how much, home)

[flyingscotsman]

Rock Hill leaders gave final approval Monday night to a ban on smoking in public places, becoming the first community in the Charlotte region to impose such a rule.

The question now is whether York County will do the same. Supporters hoped the two sides would pass identical policies, but the debate among York County Council members has raised doubts about whether that will happen.

The county might consider exceptions for private clubs as well as bars open to customers 21 and older.

On Monday night, Councilman John Gettys suggested the city could make revisions after the county decides on its plans. The idea garnered little support from colleagues.

"I'm not moving forward with that in mind, quite frankly," Mayor Doug Echols said. "We have a good ordinance. It's in keeping with the direction we're headed as a community."

Supporters view the ban as an urgent public-health issue, arguing that secondhand smoke kills thousands every year. They say people have a right to breathe clean air, whether at work or enjoying dinner.

Opponents believe the real hazard is when the government tries to dictate a decision they feel is better left to individuals. Bans typically apply to indoor public gathering spots, meaning restaurants and bars are by far the most affected.

Different policies in the city and county could create confusion, said Brad Hickle, co-owner of Rock City Tavern on Celanese Road and a leading critic of the ban.

"That is an extreme concern," he said. "If the county passes something entirely different, all those county restaurants and bars are putting us at an extreme disadvantage."

The County Council is set to vote on the issue at its Jan. 20 meeting.

[loulamb]

I don't get it. Today we have a choice...MANY non-smoking restaurants for those who prefer them, and some who permit it. Some places do not allow smoking during the dinner hours when kids may be present, but allow it after 10:00 when the bands start. But now the business owners will be told what they can and cannot do in their own establishments. No chance to vote on it, no opportunities to gather petitions. In my opinion, Rock Hill is just giving smokers and their friends a reason to spend their money elsewhere.

[movingdown]

I am so happy that Rock Hill adopted this new non-smoking policy for public places. I do understand the issue of choice, but I would like people to understand that there are some of us who get quite ill from cigarette smoke and its smell. The smoke and smell irritate the sinuses and cause headaches and infections.

I realize I can choose not to go to a restaurant that allows smoking and I do make my choices based on that, but I have had no choice when it comes to the bowling alley! They have a very good air system, but I still find that I cough my way through the bowling and then if I am lucky, I only cough until the next day and don't get the rest of the problems. I can only go during the day when fewer people are smoking. Even if no one around me is smoking, the smell is everywhere in the building.

I come from a state where they have had laws in place for years regarding no smoking in public places. The establishments actually found that they had more business with the law in place. It is a much healthier environment for the workers also. Those patrons who wanted to smoke went outside, even in the cold weather.

So, I guess I am asking those who think this issue is only about having choices, to please realize that people get sick from this... not just many years down the road, but each time we are exposed to it.

I know this is an issue people are at opposite ends on but thanks for letting me express my viewpoint!

[reneecarpenter]

There are certain restaurants we don't go to even though they offer a non smoking section... it's still smokey. I wonder if they've considered how much more business they might get by doing so rather than what they might lose by not?

[Mrs. P]

Originally Posted by loulamb

I don't get it. Today we have a choice...MANY non-smoking restaurants for those who prefer them, and some who permit it. Some places do not allow smoking during the dinner hours when kids may be present, but allow it after 10:00 when the bands start. But now the business owners will be told what they can and cannot do in their own establishments. No chance to vote on it, no opportunities to gather petitions. In my opinion, Rock Hill is just giving smokers and their friends a reason to spend their money elsewhere.

2 miles down the road to Charlotte. Nuff said. Not that this is an issue to me, but it is to businesses.

[livebyoptimism]

I'm from Ohio.... where you can't smoke anywhere, it think it's you have to be at least 30 feet away from a building or something. Anyway, when we moved here I forgot that that's only in Ohio & not everywhere! I don't smoke, so I really loved it in Ohio. It was nice to be able to go bowling or out to a bar or something not come home reeking of smoke. Although it is the law there, there are plenty of bars who don't follow the rule & people still smoke inside. They are just very careful not to get caught I guess.