For some people, smoking in restaurants has been banned for a long time, while for others, it’s just a distant memory. Virginia’s Indoor Clean Air Act, which bans smoking in most public places, started 14 years after California became the first state to do so.
Although it’s hard to measure the exact impact of this law, the statistics suggest a clear trend. Sarah Birckhead from the Virginia Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Program shares, In 2009, 20% of Virginians smoked. By 2021, that rate dropped to 12.44%. This shows a big decline in smoking, benefiting both those who quit and those around them.
Despite progress, Virginia still has room for improvement. The American Lung Association gave Virginia an F for indoor air quality because the Indoor Clean Air Act doesn’t cover all public places. Compared to other states, Virginia’s smoking laws are less effective.
Birckhead notes,There are many areas where we can still strengthen support for all Virginians.
When the law was enacted, most restaurants followed it. However, some places resisted, and even today, a few, like those in Roanoke, still allow smoking.
Robin Howery, owner of W.R. Brews, says the choice to allow smoking is about more than just money. I allow it because my regular customers smoke. It’s important to treat them like family, and I get respect in return, she explains.
Tony Bonds, a regular at W.R. Brews, appreciates the option to smoke while enjoying his time. It’s nice not having to leave to smoke. You can relax and smoke after eating or while playing pool, he says.
Why do some places continue to allow smoking? Roanoke City Police Captain Andrew Pulley explains that while secondhand smoke is a health concern, it’s not a major focus for enforcement. We don’t have a task force for this. We act only if there’s a formal complaint, Pulley adds.
If a complaint leads to a violation, the fine is minimal—up to $25. Pulley states, We don’t actively check compliance unless someone reports an issue.
Robin Howery at W.R. Brews believes customers should choose where to go based on their preferences. People know which places allow smoking and which don’t. If they prefer non-smoking, they can go elsewhere, she says.
The Indoor Clean Air Act has made a difference, but its effectiveness depends on enforcement.