Smoking may not be a thing of the past, but most cities are jumping on the bandwagon to enact laws protecting public health at their local watering holes. Los Angeles started the trend, New York set the standard, and Washington followed suit. Maryland came soon after, passing the Clean Indoor Air Act, which will take effect in February. Now Virginia may be next, with Governor Timothy M. Kaine at the helm. Again.As reported by The Washington Post, Kaine announced his new plan Monday morning at Virginia Beach’s Hot Tuna Bar & Grill—an establishment that has already banned smoking. This is the second push for the governor, after his attempt last year, which passed in the Senate but died in the House of Delegates. Kaine’s new proposal would apply to bars, clubs, and indoor restaurants, including private clubs or any site where food is "available for sale and consumption by the public," according to a press release.
And he’s learned from his mistakes. According to Virginia’s Daily Press, one major change from the 2007 legislation is to allow smoking in outdoor, unenclosed areas. Kaine may still run into a few walls, but perhaps the state is finally ready to join the 19 others on their way to smoke-free wining and dining.
And he’s learned from his mistakes. According to Virginia’s Daily Press, one major change from the 2007 legislation is to allow smoking in outdoor, unenclosed areas. Kaine may still run into a few walls, but perhaps the state is finally ready to join the 19 others on their way to smoke-free wining and dining.
