Local Beach Goes Smoke-Free

On July 24, Surfside Beach passed a ban that would forbid smoking in---and 30 feet from the entrances of---all buildings with public access, beaches, parks and other recreation facilities. Not everyone is thrilled by the prospect, however, and a petition has been circulating to area business owners and town residents—thus far receiving 650 signatures---to ban the October 1 ban. Surfside businesses feel that they will be put at an unfair advantage by the rule and that patrons will head to restaurants and bars in nearby cities where they are still allowed to light-up.