A proposed smoking ban in the City of Florence has been put out. City council voted against an ordinance that would prohibit smoking in most public places as well as parades, festivals, and event gatherings.

Mayor Stephen Wukela and two other council members thought it was time for Florence to be smoke free, but they just didn't have the support. The vote was 4-3 against the ordinance. That means it is no longer on the table for discussion.

Council heard from at least 12 residents for and against a smoke-free Florence. Those in favor believed it would promote a cleaner environment in Florence and protect people from the dangers of second hand smoke. Residents like Hydric Goodman said the smoking ban was just another way for government to infringe on their rights.

"That's violating the constitutional rights in a way, 'cause they want to talk about second hand smoke pollution when you got a lot of trucks can and everything else sending off pollution."

There are already 37 restaurants in Florence that are smoke free.

There are 28 cities in South Carolina that are smoke free, including Surfside Beach.

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Earlier story on carolinalive.com -

Florence smoking ban fails

A proposed smoking ban in the City of Florence failed a city council vote Monday.

In a vote of 4-3, council decided against the ban.

12 Florence residents gave their opinions about the ban at the meeting. The ban would have prohibited smoking in public places like bars and restaurants.

NewsChannel 15's Tonya Brown was there for the vote, she'll have more on NewsChannel 15's News at 6 and later right here on CarolinaLive.com.

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