The Virginia Senate recently passed a bill which, if successful in the House of Delegates, would amend the current state Clean Air Act by prohibiting smoking in many indoor public places.
According to Courtney Hyres, legislative aid to Sen. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, a chief proponent of the bill, the new legislation would significantly change current policy, as smoking in buildings is currently at the discretion of business owners.
"It's banned in certain places but not across the board," Hyres said. "[The bill] has broadened the current law. This bill would ban smoking in most public spaces, including restaurants and bars. Now, there are some exceptions."
Bell supports the bill because it protects Virginia residents' health, Hyres said.
"[Bell] had become convinced that the evidence of the harms of second-hand smoke on the public health had become so compelling that it was time Virginia took steps to protect its citizens," Hyres said.
Gov. Tim Kaine, however, opposes the bill in its current form, according to press secretary Kevin Hall, since over the weekend, the bill changed from addressing smoking as a local issue to approaching it in the form of a state-wide mandate.
"The governor's position is that this should be a decision made by business owners in consultation with their employees and customers," Hall said.
According to Hall, Kaine has historically been in favor of allowing business owners to make decisions concerning smoking policy.
"Gov. Kaine's Richmond law firm was one of the first major employers here in Richmond to implement a voluntary workplace smoking ban in the late 1980s," Hall said.
In response to critics who say indoor smoking adversely affects one's health, Hall said such critics can choose not to frequent businesses that allow smoking.
"The governor does not believe it's the business of the state to dictate business owners' smoking policies," Hall said.
As politicians debate passage of the bill, local business owners are anticipating the potential affects the legislation may have on business.
"I feel like it's a free country and [smoking] is not against the law, and it should be allowed in public places," said Ashley Mauter, manager of O'Neill's Pub.
Mauter recognized the effects of second-hand smoke and suggested an alternative to appease smokers and non-smokers.
"I think a better way to go about the situation is to have a smoke-free night at bars, instead of banning it altogether," she said.
Mauter added that she does not believe passage of the bill would significantly decrease business.
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