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Lights Out: Kaine Signs Smoking Ban

Smokers out of luck at restaurants, bars beginning Dec. 1

Monday, Mar 9, 2009 | Updated 3:30 PM EST

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A recently unthinkable Virginia smoking ban is signed into law.

RICHMOND, Va. -- Gov. Tim Kaine joined health advocates, legislative patrons and others on Monday in Virginia Beach to sign legislation banning smoking in restaurants and bars throughout Virginia.

Last month, lawmakers passed the measure that restricts smoking to separately ventilated rooms in restaurants and private clubs.

"This reasonable and necessary public health measure has been one of my priorities for several years," Kaine said.

The governor worked for years for a total ban of smoking in all restaurants. As past legislation failed it was practically inconceivable that one of country's top tobacco-producing states would join the ban-wagon.

Generally, the bill requires any restaurant that allows smoking to limit it to an area separated from nonsmoking patrons by a wall and a door and a ventilation system that doesn't mix secondhand smoke with fresh air.

The bill protects workers as well as patrons by prohibiting employers from requiring staff to work in areas where smoking is permitted.

Restaurants located on the property of a manufacturer of tobacco products are exempt.

The ban takes effect Dec. 1. Restaurateurs can consult this list of frequently asked questions to see if they are in compliance.