| It's back to the drawing board again at the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department over the elimination of smoking in private businesses.
A new Clean Indoor Air Regulation is now under consideration, giving restaurants, bars and video lottery establishments three years to become smoke-free.
Officials said the latest proposal could be voted on July 26th, according to Dick Wittberg, department director.
"This is very different than any of the other regulations that have been passed around the state. It is a two-step process," said Wittberg.
The new regulation would allow smoking in bars and video lottery rooms for the next three years and would permit restaurants to build enclosed smoking rooms with separate ventilation systems.
Minors would not be allowed into any room where smoking is permitted.
At the end of the proposed three-year period, all smoking would be banned from bars, restaurants and video lottery rooms.
The regulations effect Wood, Wirt, Roane, Calhoun, Ritchie and Pleasants counties.
Different variations of smoking regulations have been considered during the past year, but support has been sketchy with some of the board's members.
The proposed regulation calls for no smoking in enclosed public places and private offices or places of employment.
Designated smoking areas would have to be at a distance of 15 feet or more outside any entrance, exit or ventilation unit of any building or enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.
Copies of the proposed new regulation are available at the health department, 211 Sixth St. Parkersburg.
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