(Columbia-AP) April 4, 2006 - Smoking would be banned in South Carolina restaurants under a bill that is headed to the House floor.

The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved the legislation that bans smoking in all restaurant, bar, lounge and recreational facilities.

The committee agreed to exceptions for cigar bars and private clubs, such as the American Legion. And the bill no longer has the criminal penalties it had when it came out of a subcommittee.

State Representative Todd Rutherford says the bill was about clean air and protecting the public.

Some others on the panel say it would put South Carolina on a course to ban smoking in other places.

The committee also passed a bill that increases penalties for parents who don't properly restrain their children in vehicles.

The fines could be as high as $200, much more than the current fine of $25. Drivers could also be jailed for 30 days and fined $500 for injuries resulting in a child not properly restrained.

Posted 5:56pm by Chantelle Janelle