Greenville officials expand city’s no-smoking law

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Smokers in Greenville will soon have fewer places to light up after city officials voted to expand the city’s smoking ban.

City Council voted 5-1 on Monday to bar smoking at public playgrounds, outdoor events, the decks and patios of restaurants and bars, and at private clubs. The new rules take effect Aug. 1.

Dixie’s Tavern owner Frederick Kissling says he has a patio where people smoke and drink but don’t eat, and it makes no sense to ban that.

The city initially banned smoking in restaurants, bars and other work spaces in January 2007. Dozens of restaurant and bar owners sued. But the state Supreme Court eventually upheld the city’s ban in March 2008.

Similar no-smoking laws have passed in at least five South Carolina counties and 34 cities.