NORTH MYRTLE BEACH| -- The City Council has passed an ordinance that regulates smoking in public places, work places and certain outdoor facilities in North Myrtle Beach.
The council took its final vote Monday night on the non-smoking ordinance titled “Smoking in Public Places.”
“I am pleased with how the ordinance evolved regardless of where each member of council stands on the issue,” said Councilman Greg Duckworth prior to Monday’s vote. “Each member of council contributed to make the ordinance work…”
Duckworth and councilmen Bob Cavanaugh and Terry White voted no on the ordinance as they did on the first vote.
Prior to voting Monday, Mayor Marilyn Hatley proposed that e-cigarettes be removed from the ordinance. E-cigarettes will not be regulated by the ordinance.
The new ordinance will go into effect March 7.
Several individuals who spoke Monday night prior to the vote oppose the ordinance while others are in favor of it.
“Second-hand smoke will kill you as fast as smoke,” said resident Mike Howle. “And I don’t want anything killing me.”
Those against the ordinance say the decision should be left up to the individuals and businesses.
If a business owner chooses to have smoking then they should have a sign that says they allow smoking and vice versa, said resident Don Kenny. “Leave the rights to the individuals,” he said.
The ordinance includes a prohibition on smoking in public transportation vehicles, such as taxicabs and buses; in hotel and motel common areas, enclosed hallways, enclosed construction sites, and at ballparks, athletic fields and other sporting/athletic venues when in use for athletic competitions or public performances. Smoking will be allowed in parks only in designated areas.
Smoking outdoors should be conducted at a distance from any door, window or ventilation system to prevent smoke from entering a place.
The ordinance does not apply to retail tobacco stores, which includes existing cigar bars; campground spaces, hotel and motel rooms, or structures owned or rented as time shares.
Anyone who violates the ordinance can be fined $100.
Business owners or employers of public places who fail to comply with the ordinance can be fined no more than $100 for the first violation, no more than $200 for a second violation, and no more than $500 for each additional violation within one year, according to the ordinance.
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