Tuesday, December 01 2009
Written by Beth Robertson (
The Gazette-Virginian)
The state's restaurant smoking ban – described as one of the strongest in the region and the strongest among tobacco producing states by Gov. Tim Kaine's office - took effect Tuesday.
Some area restaurants were already operating smoke-free, but other restaurant owners said last Monday would be the last smoking day in their facilities, describing the cost to create a separate area with separate ventilation as too expensive.
“In Italy, where I am from, it is no smoking in public places for the past five years,” explained Viny Sarnataro. Italian Delight has been smoke-free several years, he added, citing his concern for children, the elderly, all of his patrons, in deciding to go smoke-free.
State Smoking Ban Hits Area Eateries continues here...
