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From The Roanoke Times

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RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine put the finishing touches on one of his most significant legislative achievements Monday, signing identical bills that severely restrict smoking in Virginia's restaurants and bars.

The new law, which takes effect Dec. 1, will prohibit smoking in restaurants with exceptions for outdoor areas and establishments that have separately ventilated smoking rooms. Private clubs also are exempt from the ban.

Kaine's signing of the anti-smoking law marks a historic milestone in Virginia, where tobacco has been a staple of the state's economy since the Jamestown settlement. Tobacco giant Philip Morris USA has its headquarters and major operations in Richmond.

Kaine has pushed for a restaurant smoking ban in each of the past three legislative sessions, saying restrictions are needed to protect the health of restaurant workers as well as patrons. But the proposal never gained traction in the House of Delegates until this year, when House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford County, and some key Republican leaders worked with Kaine to develop a compromise measure.

Kaine held a ceremonial bill signing at a restaurant in Virginia Beach. The chief sponsors of the legislation, Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, and Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, represent parts of the Hampton Roads region.

Northam, a pediatric neurologist, called the new law "a huge step toward reducing illness related to secondhand smoke and will save the commonweath millions of dollars in annual health care costs."

Kaine's administration said the restaurant smoking restrictions will be the toughest among top tobacco-producing states because Virginia's law makes no distinction between restaurants and bars.

Under the new law, restaurant owners cannot require waitstaff or bus staff to work in areas where smoking is permitted.

Restaurants and individuals violating the new law will face civil fines of $25. Kaine's administration said local health departments will check for compliance with the anti-smoking law while conducting other routine inspections.

The Virginia Department of Health has published a set of frequently asked questions on its Web site to help restaurant owners comply with the new law. The tips can be found at www.vdh.state.va.us/news/Alerts/SmokingBanFAQs.htm.