Smoking Ban goes into effect May 1, 2007
The Town of Hilton Head Island Smoking Ban will go into effect 12:01 a.m. on May 01, 2007.
The key points in the Smoking Ban Ordinance are:
1. Prohibits smoking in the workplace and requires employers to provide a smoke free environment for their employees in the work place.
2. Exceptions to the smoking ban are:
a. Private residences;
b. Up to 25 % of designated rooms in Hotels, Motels, Time Share Units, and Bed and Breakfast Homes;
c. Retail Tobacco Stores;
d. Smoking by performers in theatrical events;
e. Religious ceremonies where smoking is part of the ritual; and
f. Businesses comprised of only one individual that are not collocated in a structure with other business.
1.
a. Businesses must post a “No Smoking” sign at the main entrance to the business.
b. Smoking is not permitted within a reasonable distance outside the entrance of the business.
c. The smoking ban will be enforced beginning at 12:01 on May 01, 2007 and violators may be subject to a penalty of up to $500.00 plus court costs.
Several questions have been raised in regards to the requirement for the posting of signs. Regarding the signs which are required as a result of this Ordinance, it is important for business owners to be aware that:
1. The sign must be purchased by the business owner and must be conspicuously posted at the main entrance, either on the door or on the building adjacent to the door.
2. The sign must be visible from the outside of the building.
3. The sign must comply with the Land Management Ordinance (LMO) Section 16-3-902.I. which prohibits fluorescent colors or commercial copy or graphics on the sign. Commercial copy in this context is considered to be any mention of the name of the business on the sign.