Goose Creek Passes Smoking Ban 4-3

Smoking or nonsmoking will no longer be an option in Goose Creek.

Beginning July 1, the city will go all nonsmoking in enclosed workplaces and public places. Goose Creek City Councilmembers voted 4-3 Tuesday at City Hall to adopt the second and final reading of the ordinance.

Fines between $10-$25 can be expected for individuals violating the ordinance. The full ordinance is attached to this story within the Jan. 8 agenda; see page 21 for the ordinance. 

Despite a lengthy back and forth among citizens, some of whom addressed council on multiple occasions during the public hearing, the votes on council remained the same as the first reading.

Mayor Michael J. Heitzler, Councilwoman Marguerite H. Brown and Councilman John McCants voted against the ordinance. 

"This ordinance is over-stepping the responsibility of city government," Heitzler said.

But, for Councilmembers Kimo Esarey, Franklin Moore, Mark Phillips and Jerry Tekac, the ordinance boiled down to workers' rights and public health. 

"We need to protect our residents," Tekac said. "You're putting others at risk."

Phillips said: "In my mind, it's a workplace hazard. People have a right to work in a place free of hazards." 

In February 2009, the City Council voted 4-3 against a similar proposed smoking ban.