An Augusta Chronicle editorial July 12 maintained that North Augusta's proposed smoke-free workplace law is "too tough." It ought to be tough!

The U.S. surgeon general has said no level of exposure to secondhand smoke is safe. People who work in private clubs and places such as American Legion posts deserve just as much protection from secondhand smoke exposure as those who work in office buildings and restaurants.

Protecting workers' health is at the heart of North Augusta's proposed smoke-free workplace law. That draft ordinance and the city of Aiken's recently passed ordinance are both similar to Greenville's smoke-free law, which has been upheld by the South Carolina Supreme Court, and is often heralded as the model smoke-free ordinance for cities and towns statewide. At least 16 municipalities in the Palmetto State, including Columbia and Charleston, now restrict smoking in private clubs to protect workers' health.

It is regrettable that our state leaders have not created measures that truly protect all workers from secondhand smoke. Fortunately, local leaders such as the ones in Aiken County and the cities of Aiken and North Augusta have been willing to effectively tackle this issue and safeguard the health of workers, residents and visitors.

I applaud the elected officials in North Augusta for approving the first reading of this comprehensive law, and trust that they will stay the course.

Steve Hobbs, North Augusta, S.C.