In a state that has a higher percentage of smokers per capita than the national average, South Carolina residents are seeing public officials take small steps to eliminate smoking and its detrimental effects on health.

Discussion is under way on Hilton Head Island about a potential ban on smoking in all indoor restaurants and workplaces, and it appears to be gaining momentum following a forum -- sponsored by Town Councilman John Safay -- with members of the Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association.

The discussion follows a precedent-setting smoking ban approved in May by the Sullivan's Island Town Council. Many predict a lawsuit will come, but the town is prepared with a team of lawyers that has volunteered to represent it for free. The town has confidence it can win since its law names specific places that don't conflict with superceding state law.

South Carolinians die of smoking-related illnesses at a high rate -- an estimated 11 people a day, 365 days a year, 4,100 people. Just two years ago the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services approved a program to provide aids to help the poor kick the smoking habit by using funds from Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor. Spending $500,000 a year is a small percentage of the $65 million state officials estimate they spend each year on smoking-related health problems.

About 25 percent of South Carolinians smoke, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Tobacco Cessation.

It's not just older people who smoke, either. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the S.C. rate for youthful smoking is 10 percent higher than the national average. The group estimates that about 25 percent of state high school students smoke. The awful statistics are that 8,100 youth under 18 become smokers each year and that about 98,100 young smokers under 18 will eventually die prematurely from smoking-related illness.

A new S.C. law goes into effect on Aug. 21 that makes it illegal for minors under the age of 18 to possess cigarettes or other tobacco products. The fine for those caught can be $100 and community service. The fine for merchants caught selling tobacco to minors increases to $1,000.

This is a small step in a state that for several years hasn't allocated a dime to cessation and prevention programs for youth. The new law will not be a silver bullet to eliminate a problem that would be an epidemic if it were classified as any other disease. But the good news is that the new law along with more bans in public places may serve as a deterrent to youth and adults. That is encouraging in a state that has so many severe health problems.

South Carolina has been slow to implement smoking bans because of the state's economic dependence on tobacco as a crop, but financial benefit has long been outstripped by the healthcare costs associated with the product.