Kaine to Seek Restaurant Smoking Ban

WASHINGTON - Legislation banning smoking in Virginia restaurants will likely come back in the next legislative session, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said on WTOP's Ask the Governor program Tuesday.

"I think the momentum on this is very strong," says Kaine.

"I suspect this is an issue that we will be bringing back when we get into the session in January."

Kaine says he's in discussions with state Health Commissioner Dr. Robert B. Stroube, lawmakers and other stakeholders.

While the state Senate approved the smoking ban last session, the Virginia House of Delegates voted 59-40 against it.

Kaine says Virginia's tobacco industry is still vibrant, but adds, "At the same time we know more about the effects of second-hand smoke than we did a number of years ago and that is creating a community consensus."

D.C., Puerto Rico and 17 states have smoke-free laws that include restaurants and bars.

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