Planet Follywood is now a non-smoking establishment
By Lorne Chambers | Editor
For years Planet Follywood was the only non-private bar/restaurant on Folly Beach to still allow smoking indoors. But as of last month, Planet Follywood is no longer a smoking establishment.
Follywood co-owner DJ Rich said it was something that he has been wanting to do for a couple years now and finally decided to make it happen, leaving the private Sand Dollar Social Club as the only bar on Folly where smoking is still allowed.
“We have always valued ourselves as a community oriented business and neighborhood tavern,” said Rich. “We felt that to continue that level of service we needed to open ourselves to all members of the community and make the inside smoke free, while expanding the outside portion for everyone.”
In 2007 the City of Charleston made the then-controversial decision to ban smoking in all places of businesses, including bars and restaurants. Many other municipalities followed suit. Then in 2012, Charleston County Council banned smoking in businesses in all unincorporated areas of the County, leaving Folly Beach on an island, both literally and figuratively.
Shortly after the City of Charleston’s ban took hold, City of Folly Beach City Council took up the issue. Council rejected a smoking ban in 2008 with a close 4-3 vote, allowing business owners to decide whether or not they would allow smoking in their establishments. In the years to follow, most businesses chose to not allow smoking, with Planet Follywood and the Sand Dollar Social Club being the lone holdouts.
Rich said he has not heard much complaining from long-time regulars who smoke and that non-smokers are relieved that Follywood has made the move.
While making the transition to smoke-free, Rich also took the opportunity to make other improvements to Planet Follywood, both inside and out. The inside has been noticeable freshened up while still keeping its authentic beach dive bar aesthetic. But now smokers can enjoy a much-improved back patio when they step outside to have a puff.
“We replaced our flowerbed with a walkway to our back patio, installed a new door on the side wall, made an outdoor stage and new outside bar coming this week,” said Rich.
While it might take some adjustment for some who found Planet Follywood as a smoke-friendly haven, Rich assures that nothing else has changed about the longtime local hangout. “We still have the same great food, local music, and staff,” he says. “So stop by and check out our new digs. We’re excited about it and we hope you will be also.”
