http://www.scnow.com/midatlantic/scp/news.apx.-content-articles-BTW-2007-10-01-0017.html, WBTW News 13
Monday, Oct 01, 2007 – 07:00 PM
By Thelma Ponton
E-mail Biography

If you’re lighting up in Surfside Beach, you might want to keep an eye out for the law.
Monday is the first day of a ban on smoking in public places in Surfside Beach.

Town Council members approved the ban July 24 that prohibits smoking in businesses, on the beach, on walkovers and in public recreation areas. Smoking is also not allowed within 30 feet of any public building.

One business owner said after the measure passed that he might as well put a for sale sign in front of his business.

Jonathan Staton, owner of Dagwood’s Deli and Sports Bar, said he spent more than a $1 million setting up his business in Surfside Beach.Staton said now that the smoking ban has been approved, he is going to have to do his best to stay in business.

“If I had known back then what I know now … I wish I would have never put the business here,” Staton said.

The fine for smoking in public will be $100 plus court fees.

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This will make a big difference in a decision as to whether to move to or buy a home or investment condo in Surfside. Smokers will eventually find out they are unwelcome and what little rental business Surfside gets, it will lose a portion of. Shame on the powers that be for making laws and rules that aren’t voted on and the people and businesses have no say in.