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By Holly Hobbs Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Tobacco sellers in Virginia took a blow Feb. 9 when the Virginia House of Delegates agreed to sign off on a statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants.
The ban now awaits state Senate approval. If approved, the legislation will go into effect July 1 and will ban smoking in nearly all restaurants across the commonwealth, with exceptions for private clubs and for restaurants’ outdoor patios and designated smoking rooms.
“The dangers of secondhand smoke are undeniable,” Gov. Tim Kaine said in a released statement. Kaine met with state lawmakers earlier this month to help propel the smoking ban agreement. "... This legislation will make Virginia’s restaurants safer for both patrons and employees.”
Virginia is home to some of the nation’s biggest tobacco companies. Philip Morris ' USA has headquarters in Richmond, a few miles down the street from the state Capitol.
Kaine called the smoking ban a “necessary public health measure.” He met with state leadership to craft an agreement that would be
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