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NEW CUMBERLAND -- A temporary order restricting smoking within limited video lottery rooms and other gaming establishments in Hancock County has been lifted.
The Hancock County Health Department met, by telephone, in a special session, agreeing to lift the order put in place Dec. 30, which ordered that "all smoking within or inside any and all Free Standing Limited Video Lottery Rooms and Gaming and Entertainment Establishments," in the county be prohibited.
The lifting of the restrictions, which the board noted were put in place as a result of the COVID pandemic, were made effective at 8 a.m. today.
A copy of the order will go to all affected businesses, according to board Chairman John Plesa.
Only one comment was made by a resident prior to the board's vote. The resident, who did not identify himself during the meeting, expressed concern over lifting the temporary smoking ban, noting the effect smoking could have on non-smoking patrons and possible safety issues of individuals smoking while wearing face coverings.
Board Vice Chair Anthony Palavis, however, said he personally has observed measures undertaken at many of the affected establishments in the county to ensure the safety of their patrons. Palavis also noted Hancock County was the only county with a racetrack/casino in West Virginia which had implemented a temporary smoking ban related to COVID, and as the governor has begun lifted various business-related restrictions, it is the appropriate time for the board to take similar action.
The decision by the board was unanimous.
The health board will meet next at 4 p.m., April 13.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)