Smoke-free Air

MSV has had standing policy in support of clean air legislation since 1992. MSV has worked with members of the General Assembly, former Governor Timothy M. Kaine’s administration and key stakeholders to pass responsible clean air legislation. With public support for a smoking ban reaching nearly 75 percent, in February 2009 the General Assembly passed legislation to ban smoking in Virginia restaurants that is potentially one of the strictest clean-air measures in the country.

MSV and the physician community were recognized as being key advocates for this legislation. The new statue took effect on December 1, 2009 and banned smoking in Virginia’s restaurants with limited exceptions for private clubs and for restaurants containing separate rooms with entirely separate ventilation systems from the rest of the establishment. Smoking is also permitted on open-air patios.

Resources

Virginians for a Healthy Future Coalition Web site

2009 Legislative Agenda

2009 Smoke-Free Air Backgrounder (PDF)

2008 Smoke-free Air Background (PDF)

Restaurants and smoking in Virginia FAQs (vdh.state.va.us)