Griffith bill aimed at curbing smoking

Publication Date: 2007-01-10

• Author:Michael Sluss
• Publication:Roanoke (VA) Times & World News

The legislation prohibits smoking at restaurants unless signs are posted at all public entrances.

The majority leader in the House of Delegates is joining a growing legislative effort to curb smoking in Virginia restaurants, but is stopping short of forcing businesses to ban the unhealthy practice.

Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, filed legislation on Tuesday that would prohibit restaurants from allowing smoking unless they post signs at all public entrances indicating that smoking is permitted. Griffith's legislation would make smoke-free dining the default policy for the state's restaurants.

Griffith's bill is less restrictive than legislation sponsored by Sen. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, who wants to ban smoking in most indoor public places. The Senate passed Bell's bill last year, but a House subcommittee defeated it on a unanimous vote.