No tobacco allowed on Horry County school property soon

As of December first, Horry County will be a tobacco-free school district.

This means while on school property, there's no smoking anywhere on the grounds, including in cars or in parking lots.

As a smoker, Pat Raffaniello is not surprised Horry County schools will soon ban all tobacco products can be used on campus or at school activities. "It's going to come down to that. We've got a Surfside rule that there's no smoking in any facility up there. So, it just about follows true form. You shouldn't be smoking in a car or around children anyway,” said Raffaniello.

Tanya Dallas, who brings her two year old son to pick up her other children at school, is relieved to hear the news. "We've been in line before and if one of the kids is sick and happens to be in the truck with me, my son is always in the truck with me, they complain if there's somebody smoking in front of us,” said Dallas.

School officials point out besides eliminating the dangers of second-hand smoking; this will set a good example to students.

Marilyn Fenters, who picks up her 9 year old grandson everyday from school says, "I personally like the idea. I don't smoke anymore. Second hand smoke is definitely worse. It's a good plan."

Dallas says, "We're always telling the kids not to smoke, not to do drugs and it's hard to impress on them that's an important thing to do if you're doing it."

People also can not use tobacco at school activities. "I am a smoker myself and it doesn't bother me not to smoke,” said Raffaniello.

Several parents agree, there's a time and a place to smoke, and while at school it's not the time.

A few smokers disagree with the new rule. They believe they should be able to smoke in their car while waiting for their child.