Gov. Timothy M. Kaine talks about the Commonwealth's new law eliminating smoking in restaurants.

Virginia Restaurants and Smoking

A new law takes effect Dec. 1, 2009, to eliminate smoking in Virginia restaurants and protect restaurant workers and patrons from secondhand smoke.

The Virginia Department of Health offers these frequently asked questions and answers about the new law and the department’s role.

Ten things you should know about the new law.

Print cards to thank establishments for being smoke-free and to encourage others to go smoke-free.

Download “no smoking” signs and table tents for your restaurant or facility.

Take the Commonwealth "Breathe Easy" Challenge. Dine out where the daily special is smoke-free air.

Learn more about second-hand smoke and its adverse effects:

• Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects: Making Sense of the Evidence, 2009 Institute of Medicine Report
• The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, 2006 Surgeon General's Report
• Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on secondhand smoke

Call the VDH Quit Now hotline (800-784-8669) to learn about local community resources and counseling services to help you stop smoking. Breathe easy, Virginia.