Virginia smoking ban begins Dec. 1

RICHMOND, VA -- Virginia will become the latest state to ban smoking in many public eating and drinking places when December rolls around.

Beginning Tuesday this week, smoking will be banned in most of the 17,500 bars and restaurants across Virginia. The law was signed in February after years of pro and con lobbying in the state where John Rolfe in 1611 planted the first commercial tobacco crop.

The new law does permit walled-off smoking areas with separate ventilation. Private clubs are exempt from the ban. Owners and customers who violate the law are subject to a $25 fine.

As of last week, about 75% of the state's eating and drinking establishments had gone completely smoke-free, said Gary Hagy, a spokesman for the Virginia Health Department.

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