Inspectors Harassed During Smoking Checks at Bars
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Posted: 7:57 AM Apr 22, 2009
Inspectors Harassed During Smoking Checks at Bars
Enforcing Kanawha County's smoking ban is not only getting harder for workers with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, it's also becoming dangerous.
Reporter: Jeremy Edwards
Email Address: jeremy.edwards@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Enforcing Kanawha County's smoking ban is not only getting harder for workers with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, it's also becoming dangerous.

At Tuesday's health board meeting, members talked about problems inspectors are having while doing smoking checks at bars.

There has been several incidents over the last couple months where inspectors were harassed, had paperwork torn up and thrown in their face and in at least one incident an inspector was followed out to his car.

Board members are preparing to ask the Kanawha County Sheriff's department to provide escorts for health inspectors while they're checking on bars for violations.

If deputies aren't able to provide escorts they may look into hiring off duty police officers.

Latest Comments

Posted by: foto on May 10, 2009 at 11:34 AM

During the American Revolution, didn't our "Patriot" forebears regularly harass--actually tar and feather--agents of King George in protest of unjust laws passed by a legislative body that didn't really represent them? How is this any different?
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Bob on May 9, 2009 at 11:22 AM

It should be easy to see these inspectors as I'm sure they need to be wearing OSHA type protective clothing when their supervisors force them to enter a place that might endanger their health.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: elsa on May 7, 2009 at 10:56 AM

"...as long as they sell booze the police can go in anytime they like." While we're on the subject, isn't it about time we "decriminalized" alcohol as well?
[ Report Abuse ]
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