In a public hearing Tuesday night, town council members decided not to enforce a ban on smoking in Folly Beach restaurants.

The ban was introduced to protect employees from second hand smoke, but the Folly Beach mayor said restuarant owners should have the choice.

Without any influence from town leaders, several bars and restaurants on Folly Beach have already gone smoke-free. It’s a decision Mayor Carl Beckmann Jr. believes should not be left to government.

“I don't think government has the place to tell businesses what they can and can't do,” said Beckmann Jr.

Employees at Snapper Jack's couldn't agree more. They took this job knowing they would be subjected to second hand-smoke. The other concern is the effect a ban would have on the environment.

“If we pass it for everyone out here, they will be crowding the streets, you are going to have cigarettes all over the ground,” said Snapper Jack’s Manager Chrissy Schnarr.

The town can't afford that type of clean-up or the time an officer would spend enforcing the ordinance. The fact is, options are available on Folly for those looking to avoid the cloud of smoke.

“If they go into a bar/restaurant and they see people smoking and they have kids, they will go someplace else,” said Beckmann.

Mayor Beckmann Jr. said three council members were in favor of the ban.

He said unless arguments were compelling, he would oppose the smoking ban.

A vote on the ordinance is not expected until next month.

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