Berkeley Board of Health unanimously votes against the proposal
Jump to full article: Martinsburg (WV) Journal, 2009-09-22
Author: Jenni Vincent / Journal Staff Writer
Intro: MARTINSBURG - Clubs, bars and fraternal organizations will not be forced to ban smoking, thanks to unanimous action taken at Monday's night's Berkeley County Health Department meeting.
Just minutes after board member George Karos made a motion not to make a proposed change in the county's clean indoor air policy, the other four board members also echoed his sentiment, although for a variety of reasons.
At least one person disagreed with the action. Dr. Diana Gaviria, the department's health officer, said after the meeting she feels board members made the wrong decision.
"This decision was not in the interest of public health. It was in response to a very effective and very vocal opposition. Unfortunately, I don't think it serves the members of the community well," Gaviria said.
"The priority of the Board of Health should be public health," she said.
Before making his motion, Karos said he had read and considered all of the public's comments. Karos also said the county already has an indoor air ordinance, which was enacted in 2001, and it is working well.
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