MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Bar owners in Berkeley County opposed to proposed changes to the county’s clean indoor air regulation because it no longer exempts their establishments from a smoking ban say they are planning to picket county administration offices in Martinsburg for the next three weeks.

Standing outside the Dunn Building along West Stephen Street with a sign with the words “Stop the Smoking Ban” written on it, Robert Kern, president of Four Corners Club in Inwood, W.Va., said Tuesday afternoon a group of concerned club owners and patrons has scheduled morning, afternoon and evening rallies two days a week through Sept. 17.

A larger rally is planned at the town square at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16 and Kern said the group also plans to attend a public hearing on the Berkeley County Board of Health’s proposed regulations at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Hedgesville High School.

“There have been no complaints (with the existing regulation) and we have got along fine,” Kern said.

Smoking in bars and most hotel and motel rooms would no longer be allowed in Berkeley County if changes to clean air rules are adopted by the county’s Board of Health.

The proposed regulations are posted on the health department’s Web site (www.bchealthdept.org/) and residents have the opportunity to submit comments during a public comment period now under way.

Rallying with Kern and about seven or eight other people on Tuesday afternoon, Bret Ruppenthal, president of Sky Room Lounge in Martinsburg, said 85 percent of his patrons at the club he operates off Rock Cliff Drive club are smokers. While questioning the impact on his business, Ruppenthal suggested the smoking ban would hurt the amount of revenue the county receives from the club’s video lottery machines.

Ruppenthal said he collected about 175 signatures for a petition that has been circulating among opponents of the clean indoor regulation.

Michael Keller, president of Duffey’s Tavern, wondered how clean indoor air proponents can suggest a smoking ban is needed to protect employees and patrons who are adults that are free to make their own choices.

Proponents of the smoking ban in places of employment have said the tougher regulation would protect employees in the hospitality industry, such as young people in their first job, who have little choice but to accept the unhealthy air conditions.