Can Tim Kaine focus on the more important issues at hand, please?

Tim Kaine was in Virginia Beach yesterday where launched a second attempt at getting legislation passed that would ban smoking in all restaurants and night clubs in the Commonwealth. According to an article in the Pilot Online, Kaine spoke at the Hot Tuna Bar & Grill, a smoke-free restaurant on Shore Drive.

Flanked by lawmakers who said they will sponsor smoking-ban bills this year, Kaine made the announcement at Hot Tuna Bar & Grill, a smoke-free restaurant on Shore Drive.

“This year, we can make a meaningful resolution that we’re going to live healthier,” he said.

The proposal, which came two days before the start of this year’s General Assembly session, probably will spark “healthy debate” among legislators, said Del. Kenny Alexander, D-Norfolk. Alexander said he would support a compromise such as allowing people to light up after posted nonsmoking hours.

A bad choice of venue if you ask me. A more convincing picture may have been one with the governor in some smokey saloon coughing up a lung. The fact that he was in an already smoke free restaurant just drives home the point I tried to make yesterday when I said the Governor should leave it up to restaurant owners to decide whether or not they want their business to be smoke free, especially in the case of night clubs and bars.

Governor Kaine pursues smoking ban, again

According to an article in today's Richmond Times Dispatch, Governor Tim Kaine is once again pursuing a smoking ban in Virginia restaurants.

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today proposed legislation for a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, including dining establishments in public and private clubs.

Kaine's bid for such a ban passed the state Senate in 2006, but failed in the House of Delegates. In October 2006, Kaine signed an executive order banning smoking in all state buildings and vehicles.

The ban classifies a restaurant as any establishment including public and private clubs where food is served. Since Virginia requires food to be available in any establishment where alcohol is served, the ban would essentially apply to EVERY night club and bar in the commonwealth, on top of traditional restaurants.

Personally, I feel the government should stay out of matters such as this and leave it up to the business owner to decide, especially when it comes to night clubs and bars. We've got far more pressing issues than this, and Tim Kaine should work on solving those because so diligently pursuing a smoking ban. And for the record, no, I do not smoke. :)