The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
Bills to prohibit people from puffing tobacco products in public places passed the Virginia Senate on Tuesday, the same day a legislative committee extinguished a proposed cigarette tax increase.
In total, four smoking ban bills passed the Senate.
Two measures would give cities and counties the option to ban smoking in public buildings and restaurants. Two others would establish statewide bans on smoking in public structures, bars and eateries.
Three of the four bills are sponsored by South Hampton Roads legislators. Sens. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and Fred Quayle, R-Suffolk, sponsored the local option bills, while Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, carried the statewide restaurant ban.
"The science is clear. The verdict is in. Secondhand smoke is bad for our health," Northam, a physician, said as he lobbied for passage of his restaurant-ban bill.
Though each bill passed the Senate with little debate, the measures are expected to be defeated in the House of Delegates, as were similar smoking bills last year.
By comparison, the cigarette tax proposed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine didn't make it that far. Kaine's legislation, carried by Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, sought to double the current 30-cent-per-pack cigarette tax to raise about $147 million to help defray state tobacco-related Medicaid costs. It died Tuesday in the Senate Finance committee on an 8-8 vote.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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How about the food?
"There are any number of non-smoking restaurants. Why would YOU choose to go to one that allows smoking?"
How about the food? Just because a resturant caters to smokers does not mean that they serve lousy food. Why should I have to forgo a resturant that serves food that I like just because a few inconsiderate smokers can't wait to light up a cigarette?
jreid8231, I have a question
There are any number of non-smoking restaurants. Why would YOU choose to go to one that allows smoking?
Just curious.....
Penn & Teller - Larry Elder
All of you should check out what Larry Elder has said about the report of 2nd hand smoke, as well as Penn & Teller in their "Bull Sh*t" series. I would guess the majority of people (including myself) have never actually read the report/study, they have. FYI you have to abide by rules or others rules same as the rest of us, because this is a "free" country & just because you don't like it doesn't mean it should be banned. If you're gonna start banning because it's "bad for your health" or annoying then read the posts below & add: Car exhaust (ride your bike only), airplane exhaust, Factory "exhaust", beauty salons, etc. FYI there is no absolute truth in advertising, even government.
This comment is awaiting staff approval.
donm22211 "I have a novel idea, those of us that abhor smoking and being subjected to the incessant cloud of foul air that permeates establishments that allow smoking, should: 1. boycott any businesses that allow smoking;"
You're exactly right. Patronize smoke-free establishments. Then you won’t have to inhale others’ smoke, and your problem will go away.
So, why does that require legislation?
ruining your breakfast??????
"Call the diner what you will, public or private, it's still not fair for all involved to have to sit there and take in his nasty habit, all the while ruining my breakfast."
I'm sorry, but YOU made the choice to eat where smoking is allowed. Stop blaming the smoker and go to another restaurant that doesn't allow smoking. But you don't want to do that do you? Of course not, because like so many people, you want to tell others what to do, and how when and where to do.
I'm sorry, but poor you doesn't work!
There are great points on both sides of the issue
But my main concern is what door this will open regarding legislating our personal habits. I don't think there is one person reading the article or posting that doesn't have at least one bad habit that one day could be legislated against. As much as i don't like to eat where there is cigarette smoke, it is the owners perogative to ban it or not. It is not a public space, it is a private establishment. We all have the option of not going. As offensive as cigarette smoke while we eat is to some of us, screaming children are just as offensive to me while I'm eating. Can we legislate against that? No, that would cause an outrage...but it would make me just as happy as those of you who want to ban smoking.
jreid...
You probably need to find another restaurant then instead of some old school joint who's not going to change anyway if you're that concerned about smoke. I don't even know of more than a handful of places that allow smoking outside of certain times, all later at night when the bar crowd starts coming in. The place I go to frequently in Ghent even has smoking *outside* as to not be an issue inside where the dining is going on. Restaurants are already monitoring themselves and applying their OWN common sense. When does Government start using their own common sense and minding their own failing businesses instead of trying to impact the control of the citizen's business ventures more?
To: PilotOnline
Please have someone set your Clock.
Everything posted is an HOUR ahead of the true posted time?
Still on DST?
Thanks........
Yay! Government making
Yay! Government making behavior illegal! Everyone, quick while the nation still rides this Obama tide of socialism, email your legislator with the next behavior you want them to make illegal!
Let's be fair!
"c hart"........your comments are hilarious.......but make a lot of sense.
Guess I better get a part-time job real soon. (if there are any)
VB Amphitheatre HEARING TAX
Suntan TAX
Drinking TAX (for liver problems)
Fireplace TAX (for breathing in carcinogens)
Cholesterol TAX (love butter and mayonnaise)
BTW.......if smoking on Govt.property is supposedly banned....how is our Pres. smoking on the White House grounds? Isn't that still public property?