In the near future there will be a new smoking ban in Colleton County, S.C., as the county council unanimously approved the ordinance at its July 28 meeting. The ban will apply to the majority of businesses and place of employment in the county, including restaurants and bars and their outdoor dining areas. Retail tobacco shops and private clubs received an exemption, though golf courses did not. There’s also a prohibition on smoking within 10 feet of places where smoking is banned. Violations on both smokers and business owners call for a minimum fine of $10 and no more than $25 for those who light up in a prohibited area or those who allow others to smoke. County administrator Kevin Griffin told ColletonToday.com that the ban will not go into effect until all businesses and industries affected by the new law have been notified. Colleton County has a population of approximately 38,000 people and is located in the state’s Lowcountry region, and its county seat of Waltersboro is located about 50 miles west of Charleston.
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