At 12:01 AM Wednesday, Wood County and five other
West Virginia counties will be smoke-free.

In West Virginia, the State Supreme Court says its the responsibility of local health departments to regulate smoking.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department passed the ban in our area.

The Clean Indoor Air Act will ban smoking in bars, restaurants, and video lottery rooms.

Many business owners are afraid they could take a big hit from smokers going elsewhere.

Three years ago smoking was banned at workplaces and restaurants without an enclosed smoking section.

Wednesday, the only places smoking will still be allowed will be bingo halls, hotels, private banquet halls, and tobacco stores.

The Health Department says they considered a petition to allow smoking at fraternal organizations, but they decided not to make an exception, because it would create a loop-hole for bars and restaurants to also avoid the ban.