Charleston County Council passes 1/2 cent sales tax and smoking ban

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV)-- At a Charleston County Council meeting Thursday night, two votes got the green light: the half-cent sales tax referendum and the smoking ban.

The possibility of a half-cent sales tax referendum passed by a vote of five to four. Now, there can be public meetings to decide if the voters will get to decide in November whether or not the current transportation sales tax be increased to a full penny. The increase could generate $1.35 billion in 25 years to be used for road improvements.

The smoking ban ordinance also passed by a committee with only one 'nay.' The ordinance will now be sent to County Council for approval. It covers all unincorporated areas of Charleston County.

You can read the half-cent sales tax referendum here.

You can read the smoking ban ordinance in its entirety here.