COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)- The South Carolina Supreme Court says
cities and towns have the power to ban indoor smoking in public
places.

Monday's ruling upholds a ban against indoor, public smoking in
Greenville. Dozens of bars and restaurants had sued, saying their
business would suffer. A judge rejected the ban but, on Monday the Supreme Court said the judge was wrong.

The unanimous decision says local governments can impose more stringent regulations than the state. The decision could affect the dozen or so smoking bans already approved in counties, cities and towns across the state.

Greenville City Manager Jim Bourey says the ordinance could take
effect as early as Tuesday.

Attorneys for the businesses that sued did not immediately return phone messages Monday.