PROSPERITY — The Clean Air Ordinance, which serves to protect the people who work or do business in facilities in Prosperity by prohibiting smoking in public and private businesses, has been discussed within the Town for several years.
Visits to other areas in the state where clean air was mandated and where smoking was still allowed, specifically in restaurants, first began the discussion.
This ordinance also ties along with an ordinance that the Town has already passed that prohibits smoking on town property such as ball fields and town buildings.
Mayor Derek Underwood said this ordinance will only effect the Town of Prosperity and that many towns have passed a similar ordinance.
“Many towns and counties in South Carolina (over 45) have adopted similar language. We did have some businesses contest in the past, but we will have a public hearing to listen to public comments both pro and against,” Underwood said.
He added that this ordinance is just the first step to eliminating exposure to cancer causing smoke and that a personal choice, like smoking, no longer becomes a personal choice when it effects the well-being of others around them.
“Lighted tobacco products in houses, cars and businesses no longer become a personal choice when others are affected. We have laws in place for child seats, speed limits and truancy laws in schools. I can’t speed, choose not to place an infant in a car seat nor can I operate a business without a license without certain consequences,” he said.
Underwood, who stands behind personal freedom and businesses operating with little government intrusion, said that sometimes there is no choice but to intervene.
“I am all for personal freedom and allowing businesses to operate with limited government intrusion, but when actions or behaviors affect others negatively and expose others to health risks, then sometimes we have to intervene. People and businesses have exclusive rights, but now absolute rights. I believe a clean air movement in Prosperity will be a positive benefit to all,” he said.
There is no safe level of second hand smoke, a known carcinogen. Underwood wants residents to understand that smoking effects everyone around them.
“Second hand smoke is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level that someone can be exposed to. Fresh air is a right for everyone and someone with a lighted tobacco product is producing a known carcinogen that effects customers, employees and others in the vicinity,” he said.