(Columbia, SC) --The South Carolina Senate is advancing an amended version of a bill that would make it illegal for cities and counties in the state to put their own restrictions on tobacco and vape sales.
The measure would ban local governments from enacting limitations on tobacco and nicotine product sales and prohibit passing zoning ordinances that would ban smoke or vape sales in certain areas.
Those in favor of the bill say regulations need to be the same across the state, and support a new tobacco retail sales license for stores that would be regulated by the state Department of Revenue.
The bill now returns to the South Carolina House where lawmakers will decide if they agree with the amendments made in the Senate.