Cigar lounges pitched to Brooke health board

The Brooke County Board of Health is reviewing requests for variances to its indoor smoking ban for two proposed cigar lounges in Weirton and Park Drive. Attorneys representing Bistro 33 and Havanna Nights argue that allowing regulated cigar smoking could boost the local economy, as residents currently seek similar venues in Ohio and Pennsylvania. They highlighted investments in air handling systems designed to contain smoke within their establishments. Despite these assurances, past complaints about smoke violations from a former cigar lounge at Bistro 33 raise significant public health concerns. Health department administrator Mike Bolen emphasized the importance of maintaining the county's health rating, which has improved significantly in recent years.

He noted that allowing exceptions could set a precedent for other businesses seeking similar variances. The board plans to visit both establishments to assess the air handling systems firsthand before its next meeting on June 16. The health department faces budgetary challenges, with recent cuts in federal funding impacting its operations.