The decision on a sweeping smoking ban in West Viriginia’s smallest and northernmost county will have to wait until at least July, as the Hancock County Health Board saying they want more time to consider possible revisions to the proposal. Among the notable areas of the ban being contested is whether or not it should apply to casinos and golf courses. Studies on the financial impact on lost business and subsequent lost tax revenue to the county are also being cited for the extension. The Review characterized most of the public comment as being about health concerns versus economic impact. The first draft of the 2014 Hancock County Clean Air Regulation of 2014 was submitted at the department’s regular meeting in mid-March and has been under review since that time. The regulation specifically mentions retail stores and tobacco businesses as being places where smoking would not be permitted. The board’s next scheduled meeting is July 8, though implementation of a ban would be a ways off, as any policy would have to first be adopted for a 30-day public comment period before a vote can occur.
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