Smoke-free air

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) played a key role in the smoke-free policy that took place on Dec. 1, 2009. A supporter of clean air legislation since 1992, MSV 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, the General Assembly passed legislation in February 2009 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. Smoking was banned 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

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