Richmond – Delegate David Englin (D-45) today filed legislation for the 2009 General Assembly session to protect the health and safety of workers and customers by banning smoking in restaurants and bars throughout Virginia. Governor Timothy M. Kaine is expected to formally announce a statewide smoke-free restaurants proposal as part of his 2009 legislative agenda in Arlington County tomorrow.
“Especially in today’s economy, it is wrong to force restaurant workers to choose between their jobs or breathing cancer-causing second-hand smoke,” said Englin. “Governor Kaine has been a consistent leader on this issue, and I know those of us who have been fighting for people’s right to breathe smoke-free air appreciate his continued commitment to standing with us.”
“Little by little, various smoke-free proposals have moved forward each year, only to be blocked by the General Laws Committee in the House. This year, the General Laws Committee has a new chairman and a new makeup, so I’m very hopeful that we’ll see new progress,” said Englin, noting overwhelming public support for a smoke-free restaurants law.
According to recent survey by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids:
- 75 percent of Virginia voters support a statewide law to ban smoking inside all public buildings and workplaces, including offices, restaurants, and bars.
- 66 percent say they strongly support a statewide smoke-free law.
- 82 percent — including 58 percent of smokers — believe the right of customers and employees to breathe clean air in restaurants and bars is more important than the right of smokers to smoke in these places.
- 88 percent of Virginia voters agree that workers should be protected from secondhand smoke in the workplace.
While Englin’s bill would create a full statewide ban, other legislators are expected to file legislation allowing regional or local bans on smoking in restaurants and bars.
“Clearly, the time has come for the House of Delegates — the People’s House — to reflect the will of the people on this issue,” said Englin.
Delegate David Englin is currently serving his second term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 45th District, which includes parts of the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Arlington County. He was first elected in November 2005 and won re-election in November 2007 with more than 64 percent of the vote. A Democratic Whip, he serves on the Privileges and Elections Committee, and the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee. For more information, visit www.davidenglin.org.
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