VDH celebrates upcoming smoking ban

RICHMOND, Va. - As a way of celebrating the upcoming ban on smoking in restaurants, Virginia's Health Commissioner is calling on Virginians to show their support for the new law and local businesses by dining at their favorite smoke-free restaurants.

The new law to eliminate smoking in Virginia restaurants and protect restaurant workers and patrons from secondhand smoke takes effect Dec. 1.

Commissioner Karen Remley, M.D., MBA, recognized the 34th annual Great American Smokeout at a news conference Thursday and encouraged Virginians to join her in expressing gratitude to Virginia's restaurant and hospitality industry for supporting efforts to protect public health.

"I am encouraging you to join me in the 'Commonwealth Breathe Easy Challenge' by going to your favorite restaurant on Dec. 1 to thank them for creating a smoke-free environment and congratulating them for their business success," Commissioner Remley said. "Smoke-free dining protects public health, makes good business sense, improves our quality of life and will help all Virginians to breathe easy."

The VDH has set up a Web site where you can learn more about the law and download appreciation cards to thank restaurants that have gone smoke fee. The Web site also answers frequently asked questions and offers "no smoking" signs and materials for restaurant owners to share with customers and staff.

Marty H. Kilgore, executive director of Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, also attended the news conference and discussed a recent survey by the foundation's teen volunteer group, Y Street. The survey, at www.86thesmoke.com , found that a ban on smoking in restaurants would add more customers than it discouraged.

Research shows that smoking bans encourage smokers to quit. With less than a month before the ban goes into effect, VDH is bolstering its Quit Now Virginia hotline. Those who want help quitting can call toll-free (800) QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) to be connected to information and assistance in English and in Spanish. The cessation hotline provides counseling and quit kits to those ready to take the step to a healthier lifestyle.