IOP Council approves workplace-smoking ban

Residents and island neighbors spoke about the possibility of a workplace-smoking ban on the Isle of Palms during a public comment session of the City Council meeting Tuesday, while council members passed a workplace-smoking ban's first reading without much comment.

Isle of Palms City Council voted 5-4 to approve the ordinance's first reading. Dick Cronin, Brian Duffy, Mike Loftus, Ralph Piening and Carol Rice voted in favor. Council members Marty Bettelli, Ryan Buckhannon, Dee Taylor and Mayor Mike Sottile voted against.

Area residents against the ban filled one side of council chambers as they wore signs on their shirts urging council to vote no. Residents in favor of the ban wore signs promoting clean air, taking seats on the other side of the room.

Business owners and other residents said a smoking ban that would primarily affect a handful of the island's restaurants and bars with smoking sections, was too much government and would cut business profits. Other residents said they were in favor of clean air.

Frank Everett of Isle of Palms said business owners should be left to decide on their own whether they want to eliminate smoking, saying that it was one of many workplace hazards.

"There's also a possibility that I could fall off a ladder because I work construction," Everett said. "I'm willing to accept those risks."

At a work session Aug. 11 all members spoke about their positions. Council members who voted yes said they were interested in protecting worker health while those who voted against said they wanted to allow businesses to govern themselves.

According to the law's first draft, smoking would not be allowed inside businesses or in enclosed spaces that have partial walls with a roof and floor. Fines for violation in the draft ordinance ranged from $50 to $200.

Sottile said he would set up a future work session before the council's Sept. 23 meeting to discuss any changes to the ordinance.

Acme Cantina owners Rodger Tully and Bobby Simons said a provision like that could ruin their business. The cantina has a designated smoking session separate from the rest of its restaurant indoors and also allows smoking on its decks. Simmons said at Tuesday's meeting that he heard council members say business would improve with a smoking ban and suggested they modify the law.

"If you all are so sure that my business will not decline then guarantee it," he said.

Reach Jessica Johnson at 937-5921 or jjohnson@postandcourier.com.