Marlboro man told to smoke outdoors
In a sign of how vilified smoking has become in the US, politicians in Virginia -- where the world's largest cigarette factory churns out Marlboros -- has passed curbs on smoking in restaurants.
On a vote of 59-39, the House of Delegates approved a watered-down version of a bill that allows smoking in private clubs, walled-in restaurant enclosures, outdoor cafes or places minors can't go.
Proposed penalties for violations are hardly draconian: a maximum civil fine of $25 (E19)for smokers or restaurateurs who defy the law.
frescoes
The bill already exempted private clubs and outdoor patios.
It was further diluted by Republican amendments that would allow smoking in any establishment off-limits to minors and in any restaurant rented for a private, invitation-only event.
The Republican amendments now send the bill back to the Democrat-dominated Senate.
The watered-down bill is a step beyond anything yet contemplated in Virginia.
Year after year, more ambitious smoking bans have failed miserably before a legislature that meets in a Capitol where frescoes of golden tobacco leaves adorn the rotunda's ceiling.
Tobacco has been a mainstay since Virginia was founded at Jamestown 400 years ago and at one time was regarded as currency.
As a mostly agricultural society though the midpoint of the 20th century, tobacco plantations underpinned the state's economy.
hnews@herald.ie
- Caroline Crawford
