COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Richland County is considering an ordinance that would clarify its smoking ban.
Currently, the county ordinance says smokers must stay a "reasonable distance" from an entrance.
Councilman Jim Manning says a specific buffer should be set between building entrances and where people are allowed to smoke. He says the current rule is unenforceable.
"Reasonable distance is not measurable and thus very nebulous," he says. "Very confusing for enforcement and frustrating for the smoker to know the perimeters."
Manning said he saw smokers crowded near the entrance of a local business, forcing patrons to walk through a cloud of smoke in order to get inside.
More than two dozen municipalities around the state have work place smoking bans, but only seven restrict how close to an entrance smokers may light up.
What do you think about the county government considering setting a certain distance from entryways where it's acceptable to smoke outdoors? Vote in our poll below and leave a comment to weigh in.
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