CIGAR LOUNGES PITCHED — On Tuesday, the Brooke County Board of Health was asked to consider variances from the county’s public indoor smoking ban for two businesses wanting to establish cigar lounges. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — On Monday, the Brooke County Board of Health was asked to consider variances from the county’s indoor smoking ban and received an update on budgetary issues facing the health department.

Attorneys Michael Simon and Dean Makricostas approached the board about proposed cigar lounges on behalf of the owners of Bistro 33, a Weirton restaurant; and Havanna Nights, a business in development on Park Drive.

The two said the owners have invested thousands of dollars in air handler systems designed to keep cigar smoke in contained areas of their establishments.

They shared photos of the systems and areas while noting West Virginians wishing to smoke cigars in a public place are drawn to establishments in Ohio and Pennsylvania where it’s permitted, drawing money away from the local economy.

Simon said the health department would be able to regulate each business and “to the extent it would violate any condition you place on them, you could pull the plug.”

Board members alluded to issues that arose from a cigar lounge in a restaurant that had been operated at the present site of Bistro 33.

The health department had received complaints that smoke could be smelled in its dining area and food was being served in the cigar lounge, a violation of conditions set by the board.

Simon confirmed Bistro 33 would use the same air handling system employed at the former restaurant, but its filters would be maintained regularly, which is key to its effectiveness.

He said the system there was designed for an area double the size it served.

Mike Bolen, the health department’s administrator, said if a variance were granted, rules will need to be in place.

While alcohol could be served in the lounge, food could not, and minors should be prohibited from that area if they are permitted elsewhere in the business, he noted.

Bolen said the former restaurant had been required to collect air samples from outside its lounge, but the board didn’t specify that should be done during peak hours of business. He said that would be required in the future.

Bolen said it’s difficult for the board to concede to such a variance because its primary role is to ensure the health of the county’s residents.

He said in the last several years, the county’s health rating has risen from the 20s to 7, and he believes the ban against smoking in public places was a factor in that.

Bolen added allowing an exception for a small number of businesses could open the door for other such requests.

He acknowledged the ban was loosened several years ago to allow limited video lottery casinos to establish separate smoking areas with air filters.

The move came following complaints from some casino owners the ban hurt their business and the threat of a lawsuit, though some of the casinos have since opted to remain smoke-free.

Simon said not all businesses can afford the air handling systems needed to prevent smoke from entering other areas.

Makricostas said the cost for one of the systems was about $126,000.

The attorneys invited board members to tour the two businesses to learn more.

Bolen told them, “It can’t hurt to look at it, to see for ourselves.”

Plans were made to visit the two before the board’s next meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. June 16.

In other business, Bolen said adjustments have been made to the health department’s budget in response to a decline in revenue, including cuts in federal funding.

He said the department’s staff of six will be covered by another health plan, resulting in a cut of about $20,000; and other places will be sought to store a vehicle and trailer used for the department’s mobile operations, eliminating about $24,000 in rental for a private storage facility.

Prior to the meeting, Bolen said the department saw a cut of 60 to 70 percent in federal money disbursed by the state.

He said Gov. Patrick Morrisey raised the amount of state funds disbursed to local health departments from $17 million to $19 million.

Bolen said while there’s some certainty about any future cuts in federal spending, the department hasn’t been required to cut services at this time.

“Hopefully things are leveling out,” he said.

Bolen said the health department will be offering sports physicals for local youth on June 10. The cost is $20, which is to be paid out of pocket, and appointments should be made as soon as possible by calling (304) 737-3665.

He said there also are plans to offer drug testing to employees of businesses that require it.