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Kaine to Give Va. Smoking Ban Plan Another Shot
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FOR ANYONE living in the District or Maryland, a trek to Virginia can bring a sudden surprise: the smell of cigarette smoke inside a bar or restaurant. Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia made an attempt earlier in his term to bring a smoking ban to the commonwealth, only to be rebuffed by state lawmakers.
As WTOP reports, Kaine is going to push his plan again in January when the state legislature convenes in Richmond. Kaine told WTOP today that there is momentum behind his proposed smoking ban.
According to a poll conducted in April, 65 percent of Virginians support a smoking ban in restaurants.
» "Kaine to Seek Restaurant Smoking Ban" [WTOP]
» "News-7 Poll: 65% of Virginians Favor Restaurant Smoking Ban" [WDBJ/Roanoke]
Photo by Dayna Smith/The Washington Post
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I can hardly wait for this. I live in Arlington and never go to bars there (always DC) due to the smoke. It's not fair that one idiot smoker in a bar can ruin the atmosphere for the rest of us.
By Mike , Posted June 27, 2007 3:56 AMI live in Arlington and have totally stopped going out to bars (and even certain restaurants) due to the presence of secondhand smoke. I now patronize establishments in Washington, DC since they provide clean air. My health is not worth risking in a smoke-filled room!
By Lindsey , Posted June 27, 2007 12:40 PMActually, I live in MD and am a smoker, and all my friends and me frequent VA over DC and MD, because they still allow smoking. I know we are not the rare exception to this.
The option shouldn't be a ban, but an encouragement for smoking only places and nonsmoking only places. That way, everyone is happy.
Currently, in VA, there are many places that are smoke free. If you're a nonsmoker that can't be around smoke, then I recommend going places that cater to your habits and leave the ones that cater to smokers alone.
It doesn't seem right, just, or fair to go some place that you know allows smoking, then complain, because there's smoke in the air.
By Minux , Posted July 18, 2007 9:19 AM