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Some restaurants snubbing the smoking ban  

The statewide smoking ban in restaurants and bars has been in effect for three months. The state Health Department says 87% of restaurants in Virginia are now non-smoking. However, NBC 12 sent cameras into some restaurants and found some that are not complying with the ban, and so far, none have received a court summons or fine.

The smoking ban requires all bars and restaurants in Virginia to be smoke-free unless they have a separate room with a separate ventilation system for smokers. The law allows the Health Department to refer violators to law enforcement to issue a court summons for a $25 fine.

The Coffee Pot Roadhouse at 2902 Brambleton Avenue SW in Roanoke is the only restaurant in Virginia the Health Department has referred to law enforcement for refusing to comply with the smoking ban. The inspection report notes that the owner said he could not comply with the new law without alienating most of his customers.

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