Virginia Officials Consider Restaurant Smoking Ban - Cracker Barrel/Olive Garden Patrons Outraged

[matcom]

:rofl:

:popcorn:

<snip>

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Officials in the city of Alexandria made a proposal Thursday to prohibit smoking in certain businesses after a statewide smoking ban went up in flames during the Virginia General Assembly.

Legislators said they want to end smoking in all new restaurants. But, some said the proposal would also make it more difficult for smokers to light up in established restaurants and bars.

"We want the environment to be much cleaner and healthier in our restaurants," said Alexandria Mayor William Euille.

The ordinance would require all new restaurants and old restaurants seeking a new permit to be smoke-free.

Restaurants that have permits must agree to go smoke-free in three months or risk future restrictions or closure.

The state Legislature considered several proposals to restrict smoking in public places, and ended up with a measure that requires restaurants to post signs if they allow smoking.

Health advocates said they hope that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, a Democrat, will amend the bill to ban smoking in restaurants altogether.

But, officials said, such an amendment could have difficulty winning approval in the House of Delegates because Virginia is known to be a big tobacco state.

http://www.nbc4.com/politics/11148252/detail.html?rss=dc&psp=news

[Little Wing]

1. I'd be pissed too! Cigarettes are the only thing slowing the damn kids down