The Virginia House of Delegates this afternoon voted 60-39 to back a partial ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, sending the bill to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who plans to sign the measure.
Earlier today the Senate voted 27-13 day to back the compromise, ironed out by House and Senate negotiators.
The compromise to further restrict smoking in Virginia, a state where tobacco has been intertwined with the economy for hundreds of years, is a victory for Kaine.
Twenty-three other states and Puerto Rico have already passed bans on smoking indoors at bars and restaurants.
The bill would prohibit smoking in all public restaurants that do not have a separately ventilated room for those who wish to light up.
Private clubs would be excluded from the ban, and smoking would be permitted on patios, so long as the retractable flaps of any patio enclosure are lifted. Workers at restaurants with smoking areas could not be compelled to work in the smoking areas.
The agreement eliminates from the bill a House amendment to allow smoking in establishments that don't permit minors. The changes would take effect Dec. 1.
The legislation had the approval of a bipartisan conference committee of Senate and House of Delegates lawmakers.
The committee included three senators: Ralph S. Northam, D-Norfolk, the Senate sponsor; Mamie E. Locke, D-Hampton and Frederick M. Quayle, R-Chesapeake. It also included three delegates: Chris Jones, R-Suffolk; Albert C. Eisenberg, D-Arlington; and John A. Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake. Cosgrove sponsored similar legislation in House Bill 1703, which cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee earlier today.
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