Virginia Restaurants Going Smoke-Free December 1st

Smokers in Virginia have just a few days left to smoke their last few cigarettes in  restaurants and bars across the state, since Virginia diners and bars patrons who prefer a smoke-free experience are getting their way. 

Virginia is going smoke free in restaurants and restaurant bars, starting December 1st, 2009, even thought the Commonwealth has historically been considered a “tobacco  state” and hesitant to restrict smoking or smokers.

The Virginia legislators finally put the health of its citizens and restaurant and bar workers over the needs of local tobacco farmers and restaurant owners who fear (or claim) a drop in business.

Private clubs and restaurants with physically separate rooms with their own ventilation systems, as well as bars with open-air outside areas in Virginia earn exemptions from the new law.  But most places will become smoke-free (finally). 

In 2007, Washington, DC outlawed smoking in bars and dining establishments, with Maryland following suit a year later in February 2008.  Although in the District, it seems some restaurant owners are able to get around the law by allowing smoking in hookah pipes.

Smoking tobacco, usually flavored, through a hookah (or water pipe) is becoming popular across the country since many smokers falsely believe that it is safe, or at least safer than cigarette smoking.  In fact, it’s usually significantly more dangerous, delivering more tar, nicotine and health risks to smokers.

There are less than a dozen bars and restaurants in DC that offer hookah pipes.

Over 25 states have laws prohibiting smoking in restaurants and bars across the country. 

Image – smoker, no smoking sign