New smoking bill sent to the VA House
From the Roanoke.com article, Committee sends smoking bill to House:
House Bill 2422 eliminates the requirement to have non-smoking sections in bars and restaurants, essentially forcing all establishments to choose a smoking orientation. If the bill passes, all bars and restaurants that choose to allow smoking will have to post a sign at the entrance notifying the public that it is a smoking establishment.
This bill might not seem significant at face value, but further analysis reveals a fundamental shift. Right now in Virginia the default position of any bar or restaurant is smoking; You expect restaurants and especially bars to cater to tobacco patrons. However, this bill, if passed, will shift the default position from smoking to nonsmoking. Restaurant and bar owners do nothing if they choose a nonsmoking orientation. On the other hand, they must take an extra step and inform the public at the entrance if they choose smoking.
I personally believe this bill, if passed, will have a positive effect for tobacco advocates. I have always believed that the strongest argument against smoking bans is the liberty of self-determination in regards to property and business ownership. Any legislation that highlights this liberty is good legislation.
House Bill 2422 eliminates the requirement to have non-smoking sections in bars and restaurants, essentially forcing all establishments to choose a smoking orientation. If the bill passes, all bars and restaurants that choose to allow smoking will have to post a sign at the entrance notifying the public that it is a smoking establishment.
This bill might not seem significant at face value, but further analysis reveals a fundamental shift. Right now in Virginia the default position of any bar or restaurant is smoking; You expect restaurants and especially bars to cater to tobacco patrons. However, this bill, if passed, will shift the default position from smoking to nonsmoking. Restaurant and bar owners do nothing if they choose a nonsmoking orientation. On the other hand, they must take an extra step and inform the public at the entrance if they choose smoking.
I personally believe this bill, if passed, will have a positive effect for tobacco advocates. I have always believed that the strongest argument against smoking bans is the liberty of self-determination in regards to property and business ownership. Any legislation that highlights this liberty is good legislation.