Smoke Signals

Publication Date: 2007-03-20

• Author:JIM TATUM
• Publication:Camden Chronicle Independent

Conversations with owners and patrons in several bars and restaurants around town revealed varied opinions on a possible smoking ban in Camden and Kershaw County.

The discussion came about after State Sen. Vincent Sheheen tried to add an amendment to a bill sponsored by Sen. Darryl Jackson of Richland County that would have allowed cities and counties in South Carolina the right to pass local smoking bans. The amendment was later removed.

Jackson's bill -- without Sheheen's amendment -- has now had first reading in the S.C. House of Representatives, said Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk, where it has been passed to the House Judiciary Committee.

"It'll be assigned to a subcommittee, and that's when people are welcome to testify," she said. "That's also where most of the amendments will occur. It can also be amended in full committee or on the floor," said Funderburk.