The Brooke County Commission approved variances Tuesday for cigar lounges at two Weirton businesses.

The variances from the county’s ban on smoking in public places came following a request by attorneys representing the owners of Bistro 303, a Weirton restaurant; and Havanna Nights, a Weirton business in development.

Attorneys Michael Simon and Dean Makricostas said the owners have invested thousands of dollars in air handler systems designed to prevent smoke from entering other areas of their establishments.

Last week, Mike Bolen, administrator of the county’s health department, said the variances were recommended by the county health board, provided certain conditions are met.

In addition to the ventilation systems, individuals under 21, including employees and family members of owners or patrons, may not enter the lounges; warning signs about secondhand smoke must be posted, no food may be served in them and only cigars may be smoked there.

Language in the variances state they may be revoked for failure to comply with such conditions, and they may not be transferred to new owners.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio said members of the health board made a thorough investigation that included visiting the businesses before making their recommendation.

The county’s ban on smoking in public places was implemented in 2014 but loosened in more recent years for video lottery casinos, whose owners complained that it hurt their business.

The commission also heard from Michael Lough, who said he is one of several residents on Bethany Pike who lack a public water supply.

A West Liberty native who left Brooke County to serve in the Navy, Lough said he’s sought public water service since returning to the area in 2016.

He said wells that once served the area of Bethany Pike in which he lives aren’t considered safe for consumption, so he arranges for tanks containing up to 1,000 gallons of water to be trucked to his home.

Lough also expressed concern about the absence of fire hydrants, saying the nearest hydrants are about a mile away at Bethany College and four miles away at Irish Estates.

Lough was advised cost often has been a barrier to extending water lines to rural areas of the county.

But Diserio said the commission can contact the Ohio County Public Service District, which is based in the neighboring county but serves some areas of southern Brooke County; and Hammond Public Service District about the feasibility of serving Lough’s area.

Diserio also agreed to meet with Lough following the meeting to discuss the matter further.

In other business:

�–� County officials said not everyone is aware they may contact David Holden, the county’s compliance officer, with complaints of trash or hazardous materials, junk cars and other vehicles, dilapidated structures and excess vegetation on property in unincorporated areas of the county.

Holden, who may be reached at (304) 737-3661 ext. 135, said such complaints stem from both concerns about risks to health and safety and the impact of such nuisances on the value of neighboring properties.

�–� County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta announced the parking lot behind the county’s judicial center is scheduled to be paved next week while a recently paved lot across from it on Charles Street is expected to open next week.

The latter lot was purchased by the county commission, which arranged for the former Colony Center building there to be razed to accommodate the new parking area.

Alex Paris Contracting of Atlasburg, Pa., was hired to create the asphalt parking lots and adjacent concrete sidewalks after submitting a bid of $431,549, the lowest received for the work.

�–� Diserio took time to comment on the death of Jack Kins, who died on Sunday. He said in addition to being “a staple” of the Wellsburg Volunteer Fire Department, Kins wore many other hats, including Wellsburg Councilman, from which he resigned last week; Brooke County school bus driver and local entrepreneur.

Kins’ family has suggested memorial donations in his honor be made to the fire department or the American Lung Association.