News 12 at 11 o'clock, July 21, 2008

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.--- It's official. North Augusta has a smoking ban. Starting August first, there will be no smoking allowed inside public places. Bars and restaurants are included.

Representatives from a British pub---"The Highlander" appeared before the city council asking for an exception for bars. Council members decided not to make any exceptions. Business will be allowed to have smoking areas outside.

This ban brings North Augusta and Aiken in line smoking bans that are even tougher than Aiken County's smoking ban.