Va. restaurant smoking ban takes effect

RESTON, Va., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Smokers in Virginia, where tobacco farming was once a ubiquitous way of life, say they will miss being able to smoke legally in the state's restaurants.

A law took effect Tuesday banning smoking in the state's eateries, a stunning change for Virginia where the first commercially grown tobacco plant was cultivated in 1612 and whose state lawmakers have long been tied to tobacco interests, The Washington Post reported.

At Morton's Steakhouse in Reston, Va., Monday, smokers gathered in a sort of "gentlemen's protest" to say goodbye to their indoor smoking privileges, the newspaper said.

"I've always said, if there's a state that would never pass a smoking ban, it's Virginia," said Manassas, Va., resident Ed Bennett while holding a cigar. "I lost a lot of bets on that one."

Meanwhile at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern in Herndon, Va., the Post said a representative of Camel cigarettes handed out free smokes as customers watched a 1960s television ad featuring Fred and Barney from "The Flintstones" puffing on Winstons.

The new state law reportedly allows smoking on outdoor patios or in separately ventilated areas, but bans it elsewhere in restaurants, where ashtrays must be removed and "No Smoking" signs posted.