Push for smoking ban resumes in Rock Hill

By Adam O'Daniel - Adam O'Daniel

Some business and community leaders appear ready to light up talks of a smoking ban in Rock Hill bars and restaurants.

A panel of restaurant and bar owners, legal experts and lobbyists discussed the issue at a public forum Wednesday, sponsored by Partners in Tourism, a York County association of hospitality industry leaders. The panel discussed how outlawing smoking cigarettes in public places and in the workplace might affect business and what legal roadblocks might stand in the way.

Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols said the City Council needs to consider the issue because of the public health concerns associated with second-hand smoke, but he said there isn't a timeline on the discussion. However, during Wednesday's forum, it appeared a smoking ban could be in the works.

"In theory, you could see the City Council push this ordinance forward, even if the courts eventually jerk it back a little bit," Paul Dillingham, the city's attorney, told about 25 people Wednesday. Dillingham said there has been no formal discussion or hearings about a citywide smoking ban.

"But it is something the management team at the city has asked me to take up," he said. "You may read in the paper that an ordinance is being considered."

Smoking bans in restaurants, bars and other public places have been a hot topic in South Carolina this year after Greenville, Sullivan's Island, Charleston and others approved similar laws earlier in the year. Rock Hill officials seemed poised to discuss the issue in the spring, but progress stalled after bars in Greenville and Sullivan's Island filed lawsuits challenging the bans.

While those suits plodded through the courts, legislators also discussed statewide smoking bans. But a potential bill died after compromises and political maneuvering at the end of the legislative session.

Tom Sponseller, president of the state Hospitality Association, said many local lawmakers across the state are hesitating to move forward until either the lawsuits play out in the state Supreme Court -- lower courts have ruled in favor of the ban in Sullivan's Island but on the side of bars in Greenville -- or the General Assembly implements a public smoking ban.

Countywide, private club concerns

At Wednesday's forum, physician Alan Nichols, president of the Tobacco Free York County Coalition, said the risk of heart disease presented by second-hand smoke should be enough cause for local governments to go ahead and take action.

"I'd like to see a rare cooperation between the city and county," Nichols said to a round of applause. "I'd like to see identical bills introduced simultaneously."

Ralph Meranto, the owner of Harry and Jean's restaurant, agreed with Nichols' desire for a countywide decision. He said a smoking ban would hurt his restaurant, which is inside city limits, unless it was in place everywhere.

"If the city passes a smoking ban, you could just walk across the street into the county," he said.

Butch Bailey, owner of Scandals, a private nightclub on Cherry Road, said any ban on smoking should give an exception to private clubs, such as his bar or local lodges, that require memberships and age minimums.

"There needs to be a separation. ... A private club is not a public place," Bailey said. "Private entities enjoy a different set of rules."

Ban 'a change for the better'

While critics claim public smoking laws trample personal choice, Tropical Escape Cafe owner Roger Baldwin said a smoking ban might improve business for local bars and eateries. Baldwin prohibited smoking at his restaurant last month after complaints week after week convinced him to do so.

"The five to 10 negative comments a week have turned to 15 positive comments a week with people thanking us," he said.

Baldwin, who built a patio outside for smokers, said bar sales dipped after the new rule, but an increase in food sales has more than made up the difference. And he said holiday bookings have increased 50 percent from last year.

"Going nonsmoking is perceived as a change for the better," he said. "I highly recommend it."