Many states have passed statewide bans on smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. Other states have enacted statewide smoking bans that include exceptions for certain businesses and workplaces—such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs.

Some cities and towns have enacted ordinances (laws) that restrict smoking in restaurants and bars—and some cities and towns extend public smoking bans outdoors to sidewalks, apartment complexes, and other public spaces where nonsmokers may congregate, for example.

Violations of these smoking bans may be prosecuted as misdemeanor criminal offenses and include hundreds of dollars of potential fines.

In South Carolina, there is no comprehensive statewide smoking ban. However, individual cities and counties within the state have the authority to implement their own local smoking ordinances. As a result, regulations can vary significantly from one municipality to another. Some cities, such as Charleston and Columbia, have enacted ordinances that prohibit smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars, while others may have less restrictive rules. There are also exceptions in certain localities for businesses like cigar bars or tobacco shops. Violations of local smoking ordinances can result in fines and are typically treated as misdemeanor offenses. It is important for individuals and businesses to be aware of the specific smoking regulations that apply in their local area to ensure compliance.