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Smoking ban vote Thursday

November 05, 2008|Katheran Wasson

There's another important vote to tally in Clark County, but this one won't take place until Thursday.

Members of the Clark County Board of Health will consider the second reading of a local indoor smoking ban that, if approved, could be enforced as soon as Jan. 1, 2009.

Thursday's meeting is open to the public, but it will be up to Chairman Brian Andreas to decide whether or not to allow public comments at the meeting.

Clark County's regulation bans smoking in "all enclosed public places within Clark County," including businesses, restaurants, bars, galleries, libraries and museums.

Smoking will be prohibited in sports arenas, health care facilities and doctors' offices, day cares and all common areas, such as lobbies, hallways and elevators. The regulation will also ban smoking in private clubs when used for a public function.

The board approved the ban Sept. 23 with a 5-3 vote. Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham, Magistrate Pam Blackburn and local engineer Robert Baldwin voted against the regulation.

Smoking will still be allowed in private residences, hotel rooms designated for smoking, retail tobacco stores, private clubs with no employees and outdoor areas at places of employment.

Enforcement of the regulation will be up to the Health Department. Members of the Winchester Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office may also enforce the ban, according to the regulation.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Health Department.

Contact Katheran Wasson at kwasson@winchestersun.com.

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