The Hancock County, WV Health Department submitted a proposal that would create a widespread ban on smoking in any public place, from restaurants and bars to hotels and stores. The first draft of the 2014 Hancock County Clean Air Regulation of 2014 was submitted at the department’s regular meeting on Tuesday, and will now be under review until they meet again on April 1. In its list of places where smoking would not be permitted, it specifically mentions retail stores and tobacco businesses. Hancock County Administrator Jackie Huff told WTOV9.com that the main objective is to protect the health of the county. Some businesses have already spoken up in opposition to the proposal, saying it would hurt their revenue and possibly force them to close, citing that they draw customers from neighboring Ohio where a similar ban is already in place. Hancock County is both the smallest and northernmost in West Virginia and home to just over 30,000 residents.
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