RICHMOND, Va. -- A bill to ban smoking in most of Virginia's bars and restaurants isn't a done deal after all.
The anti-smoking bill faces an uncertain future after the House of Delegates thwarted efforts by the Senate to pass a compromise bill supported by Gov. Tim Kaine.
The bill would ban smoking in most of Virginia's bars and restaurants. The House is insisting on a weakened version of the bill that allows smoking under a variety of circumstances. It would allow restaurants to designate a smoking room without a separate ventilation system and would allow smoking in any restaurant rented for invitation-only events.
A committee of select House and Senate members will now attempt to craft a bill acceptable to both bodies.
