The rebellion against smoking bans took another step forward. The rebellious hero’s of Kanawha-Charlston took a stand and no fines were issued.
Bar owners dared the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department to cite them for violating the expanded smoking ban this week, but the agency didn’t take the bait.
The Health Department issued no warnings or fines against about a dozen bars that defiantly encouraged their customers to smoke in violation of the county’s clean indoor air regulations, which took effect July 1.
“We didn’t want to feel like we were being called out to a duel,” said health board President Brenda Isaac. “We will be making unannounced inspections on a schedule. Our staff won’t hesitate to issue citations.”
Kanawha County bar owners have repeatedly criticized the smoking ban, citing a decrease in alcohol and video lottery sales.
Some bar owners have vowed to continue violating the ban until the Health Department takes them to Kanawha County Magistrate Court, where businesses face fines of $200 to $1,000, if found guilty.
Filed under: Ban Damage, anti insanity, reality check | Tagged: reality check, rebellion, smoking, smoking ban
