Governor Tim Kaine joined David and other local officials at Chadwicks restaurant in Old Town to mark the historic new law banning smoking in restaurants and bars throughout Virginia, which went into effect today.
“During challenging times, it’s easy for citizens to get cynical about their government, but this is an example of legislators working together in a bipartisan way to accomplish something historic that citizens can be proud of,” said David, who was the original House sponsor of the legislation. “This puts our restaurants and bars on an equal footing with Maryland and D.C. and will improve quality of life for customers and workers across Virginia. But, most importantly, this will save lives by reducing the daily exposure of workers and customers to cancer-causing second-hand smoke.”
“This monumental public health measure came about with bipartisan support from the General Assembly and with the support of the people of Virginia, the vast majority of whom want to enjoy dining out in a smoke-free environment,” said Kaine, who highlighted several restaurants who supported this legislative effort. “We applaud these restaurants for recognizing that they can help enhance the high quality of life Virginians enjoy by protecting restaurant patrons and employees from the serious health risks of secondhand smoke.”
Second-hand smoke is responsible for an estimated 1,700 deaths per year, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In addition, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids estimates the Commonwealth spends $113 million a year on health care expenditures related to exposure to second-hand smoke.
“Considering the preeminent role tobacco has played over the past 400 years of Virginia history, this is a major victory,” said David. “Who would have thought when we stood together in January to announce this legislation that less than a year later we would be celebrating Virginia restaurants and bars going smoke free?”
