Officials encouraging smoke-free restaurants

Publication Date: 2005-04-04

• Author:ANDREI BLAKELY
• Publication:DC Examiner

Alexandria City Council members push for voluntary program

Bomar and other nonsmokers soon may have more smoke-free restaurants in Alexandria as two city council members are interested in beginning a voluntary smoke-free restaurant program. Founders is one of the few restaurants with a bar in the city that has a smoke-free policy.

"I've never been a smoker," Bomar said. "It's nice to find a place where people that want to enjoy a bar atmosphere can go without having to deal with smoke."

Request to co-sign

Virginia's General Assembly has not passed legislation to create a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, so city officials are trying to encourage the practice voluntarily.

City Council Members Ludwig P. Gaines and Joyce Woodson have co-signed a letter to fellow council members asking them to discuss and consider implementation of the initiative at an upcoming meeting.