Jump to full article: Newport News (VA) Daily Press, 2010-03-21
Author: Laurence Hammack The Roanoke Times
Intro: Kopcial has grown frustrated as his tobacco-dependent patrons migrate to bars that remain smoke-filled. He has complained to Roanoke police, the state health department and the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Department.
The new law makes local health departments responsible for monitoring compliance with the law during routine inspections of restaurants. But the health departments say the law gives them no authority to cite violators. The most they can do is refer a case to police, said Robert Parker, a spokesman for the state health department's Southwest Virginia regional offices.
Police have visited a handful of smoke-filled restaurants since the law took effect Dec. 1. They've issued no summonses. If they did, the top penalty would be a $25 civil fine.
Instead of writing tickets, Roanoke police are educating restaurant owners and citizens about the law, police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson said. Offending businesses are told they must go totally smoke-free or build a separate room for smokers with a separate ventilation system. How to enforce the law is being discussed by police, health officials and the ABC. Johnson declined to elaborate on those talks.
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