BERKELEY COUNTY, WV - Smoking will still be allowed in some bars and restaurants in Berkeley County.

The county board of health unanimously opposed the Clean Indoor Air Act Monday afternoon.

A small crowd of business owners gathered for the hearing.  Mayor George Karos opened the meeting.  He says as government grows, liberties shrink.   He opposed the act and all five members of the board agreed.

The board addressed several concerns, primarily not exposing children to secondhand smoke or encouraging them to smoke.  One member pointed out that the bars and clubs only allow adults 21 and over.

The board also felt that the issue was a matter of freedom of choice, and if people don’t like to be around smokers than they should stay away.

Another major concern was the economic timing.  They felt there could be unseen effects, and it could bring a big hit to businesses in the county.

Sandra Unger, a Berkeley County business owner, said, "You have choices.  There is no reason to shut us down and hurt the economy of Berkleley County, and that is exactly what it was going to do. "

Butch Pennington, another business owner, said, "This democracy won today.  We petition; we had marches; we had rallies; we had picket lines, and they responded they listened."

A thousand people previously signed a petition against the Clean Indoor Air Act.