Smoke Free Restaurants
Restaurants Go Smoke-Free Starting Dec. 1, 2009
Statewide ban protects workers, patrons
Legislation banning smoking in Virginia’s bars and restaurants goes into effect Dec. 1, 2009. This ban will protect restaurant workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The legislation is part of Chapter 28.2, The Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act, of the Code of Virginia and is applicable to every locality in the Commonwealth -- including Arlington.
During their routine inspections, Arlington Public Health Division environmental health specialists will determine compliance with the law to include:
- Signs posted stating "No Smoking" or containing the international "No Smoking" symbol clearly and conspicuously in every restaurant where smoking is prohibited.
- Ashtrays and all other smoking paraphernalia removed from all areas of the restaurant where smoking is prohibited.
- Assessment of whether any separate smoking rooms comply with legal requirements.
MORE INFO
Restaurant owners/operators can call the Public Health Division at 703-228-7400 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to discuss implementation procedures to ensure compliance with the law.
Additional information is available from the Virginia Department of Health at 804-864-7455.
CONSUMER RESOURCES
• American Lung Association
• County Code
• Quit Smoking
• Secondhand Smoke
• Smokefree in VA
• Surgeon General's Report
• VA Tobacco Use Project
• VA Youth Tobacco Use
EMPLOYER RESOURCES
• Business & Smoke-Free Laws
• Clean Air
• Going Smokefree
• Smoking in the Workplace
• Virginia Clean Indoor Air Act