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Smokers in Greenville's bars and restaurants will have to snub out their cigarettes, cigars and pipes or risk a $50 fine starting at noon on New Year's Day.

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to go smoke-free in nearly all of the city's public buildings. When the law takes effect, it will be the first time in city history it will be against the law to light up in bars and restaurants.

Supporters say the ban will protect children, employees and nonsmokers from second-hand smoke, while encouraging smokers to quit. Critics contend the law will hurt city businesses and that it infringes on private property rights.

A 1987 ordinance outlawed smoking in department stores and other public buildings, but an exception was made for restaurants and bars. However, Mayor Knox White said separate sections for smoking and nonsmoking customers isn't working.

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"It's just intolerable," he said, "and the medical evidence is just overwhelming."

In a half-hour public hearing before the vote, supporters outnumbered critics 9-5.

Doctors showed up in their white lab coats to argue the health benefits of the ban. Business owners led the charge for the opposition.

Linda Hamilton now is a doctor, but she said she was speaking out on behalf of a profession that hasn't had much of a voice in the public debate -- waitresses.

"They have a right to work in a healthy environment," she said.

Addy Sulley, who owns Addy's Cafe and Restaurant, said he voluntarily abolished smoking on one floor of his downtown establishment. Business, he said, dropped off by 60 percent.

"It was totally a disaster upstairs," Sulley said.

In a last-minute change, the effective date was narrowed down to the minute -- noon on Jan. 1, 2007 -- to address the "midnight issue," said City Attorney Ron McKinney. A previous draft made it effective on Jan. 1 but didn't specify the time.

The ordinance also made this year's Dec. 2 Christmas parade smoke-free and will allow City Manager Jim Bourey to ban smoking at other outdoor events, such as Fall for Greenville, beginning Jan. 1.

Bourey said he is confident that the city has sufficient resources to enforce the ban. The city already has a smoking ordinance, he said, and he expects most people to comply with the new one voluntarily.

"We don't think it's going to be a quantum leap in enforcement," he said.

The ban extends 10 feet from building entrances. McKinney has said the provision targets smokers who light up while sitting or standing outside but not people walking by.

Businesses face a $100 fine for the first offense and a $200 fine for each offense thereafter within a year.

Some places won't be subject to the ban: retail tobacco stores; private residences unless used for child care, adult care or health care; some motel rooms; some nursing home rooms; and private clubs that have no regular employees.

Hattie Reyes, who has a son with respiratory problems, quietly pumped her fist outside council chambers after the vote. She expressed hope that Greenville's vote will build momentum for other cities.

"Somebody has to start the ball rolling," she said. "Why not Greenville?"