The smoke-free era has begun in North Myrtle Beach. Starting March 7th, smoking indoors in most public places is against the law in the city.
City officials say police will not be stationed at every street corner, ready to catch smokers in the act, but people in North Myrtle Beach will be subject to a $100 fine if they light up indoors.
The one place in the city where smokers will still be allowed to light up inside is Nick's Cigar World , which was given an exemption to the new ordinance.
Owner Nick Goebel says the law won't have much of an impact on his business. In fact, he thinks most businesses won't see much of a change at all.
"Before this ordinance was even passed, there was very few restaurants that you could go into and smoke, so it really didn't effect that many establishments, but the politicians wanted to do it, so it's a done deal," he said.
The owner of Big KT's Barbeque was out of town the day the ordinance went into effect, but he expressed his displeasure with the law with a sharply-worded sign near the front door.
"Due to continued interference of government with private enterprise, we are now a non-smoking establishment," the sign says.
But down the street at Oscar's, a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed sports bar and restaurant that had been popular with many smokers, the owner is resigned to the fact that a non-smoking law was going to happen.
"It is the way of the world, in my opinion," said owner Carla Williams. "We are behind when it comes to that. So, am I upset about it? No, not really. I think people saw it coming."
Oscar's now has an outdoor patio where customers can still light up.
The law does allow smoking in most outdoor areas. The only outdoor places where smoking will not be allowed will be in front of a doorway, an open window or an air conditioning intake, Dowling said.
He said even indoors, if a police officer sees someone smoking, he'll most likely just ask the smoker to stop before taking further action. "He'll probably write them a warning ticket, which doesn't carry any fee or court appearance. If they persist, obviously they're going to get a ticket."
Supporters of the law hope the end result will be healthier residents, especially those who work in bars and restaurants.
"I think it's protecting those who are exposed to smoke by no choice of their own that it's important these kind of ordinances are in place," said Dr. Nick Pennings of Smoke Free North Myrtle Beach.
People who see smoking indoors can call the city and lodge a complaint at 843-280-5511.
