For over a decade we Richmonders watched as state after state across the country enacted smoking bans in public buildings, restaurants, and bars and most of us said the same thing.
We said it will never, ever happen here.
Not in Virginia and certainly not in Richmond, the home of Philip Morris and Marlboro Country, USA. Whether we wanted the ban or not, most Richmonders thought it was something that would never happen, especially not in our lifetime.
Until today, Dec. 1, 2009 – today is the day that many Richmonders thought we'd never see: it is officially against the law to smoke in Richmond restaurants (unless it's a private club or offers a separate room with separate ventilation).
I know I thought I'd never see this day.
Whether you're a smoker or not, smoking is what you do in Richmond restaurants. And by Richmond restaurants, I mean Fan bars. I know I'll soon see for myself, but I cannot imagine a smokeless Buddy's, Sidewalk Café, Avalon, Star-Lite, or any of the Robinson Street bars for that matter. But they now all are.
Or at least they're supposed to be.
Rumor on the street is that a few bars and restaurants (none named specifically and none mentioned in that list, that I know of) are planning to all-out defy the ban. To some restaurant owners and bar patrons, a one-time $25 fine (one to the restaurant and one to the smoker) is worth it to keep regulars coming in for a drink and a smoke. Especially when their ABC license isn't at risk.
Either way, though, it will be interesting to see how Virginia enforces the ban. Technically it falls under the Health Department as part of their routine food safety inspections, but the day-to-day enforcement is falling to law enforcement officers, to whom violators should be reported. So the cops will be the ones actually writing citations for smoking offenses.
Of course, smokers are still free to puff away on restaurant patios (when the restaurant allows it). For now anyway. If Virginia follows the trends of the many states before it with smoking-bans, nonsmoking patios are only few years away, followed by nonsmoking within 25 feet or so. Or maybe not.
But for now, there are still a few Richmond restaurants left that say they are in compliance with the new regulations: completely separate, walled-off rooms, with separate ventilation systems. So smoke 'em you got 'em, Richmond. It might be your last chance:
Richmond Restaurant that Allow Smoking:
Bailey's Pub & Grille – Separate, smoking dining room. Both locations.
Havana '59 – On the second and third floors only.
Joe's Inn – Separate, smoking dining room.
Penny Lane - On the second floor only.
The Republic Restaurant & Bar – Separate, smoking dining room.
Tobacco Company – In the basement club only.
Smoking-Ban Myths Debunked:
- Restaurants with smoking sections do not have to have a separate entrance to the outside.
- Customers cannot be forced to walk through smoking areas to access the restaurant or its bathroom.
- Restaurants with smoking sections do not need to offer a separate bathroom.
- Separate heating / air systems are not needed, but smoke must be pumped outside, not back through the general heating / air.
- The fine is $25 if smoking is found, not $25 per person smoking.
- For more information, check out the FAQ from VDH here.
What do you think about the smoking ban, Richmond? Do you think restaurant will comply? And if we missed a smoking restaurant, send an email to kpeifer@richmond.com or just add it in the comments below.
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