Friday, January 4, 2008

Governor's Press Conference - VAB, Jan 7th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Falvey, co-owner Hot Tuna Restaurant, Direct 757-717-1002

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WHO: Governor Timothy Kaine

WHAT: Press Conference on Smoking Ban for Restaurants

WHEN: Monday, January 7, 2008, 10:30am -11:15am

WHERE: HOT TUNA Restaurant, 2817 Shore Drive, VA Beach, VA 23451 Map/Directions www.hottunavb.com

WHY: Governor Kaine is trying once again to encourage the Virginia General Assembly to pass a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants to protect against the adverse health effects of second-hand smoke and to ensure a level playing field in the industry for those business owners opting to provide smoke-free environments. Even though polling suggested two-thirds of Virginians would prefer a statewide smoking ban, Kaine's amendment to HB 2422 was rejected by the Virginia House last year. Kaine, however, is determined to continue his push for healthier restaurant environments for employees and customers. The issues that led to the proposal's defeat last year, including a concern over the definition of restaurant, have been worked out for this year. According to Kaine, "there is a way to do a restaurant ban that is a much targeted ban that won’t have the effect of being too broad."

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