Smoking bans take effect in Hilton Head, Bluffton

Smoking bans took effect Wednesday in Beaufort County and in Bluffton, a day after the Charleston City Council gave initial approval to a similar ban.

After more than seven years of debate, the Charleston council gave first reading approval to a ban on smoking in workplaces, including bars, restaurants and private clubs. The ordinance needs one more vote.

The Beaufort County ordinance bans smoking within 25 feet of doors or windows of a public building while the Bluffton ordinance requires only that smoking be done a reasonable distance from the business.

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