Lights Out

Will Virginia outlaw smoking in public places?

Yasmeen Alamiri / contributing writer

The Virginia State Senate proposed a bill to ban smoking indoors and in most buildings or enclosed areas frequented by the public.

If this bill is passed, smoking in Virginia will be limited to private homes, bars that are sealed off from other areas, private functions and workplace areas that are not open to the public. This issue caused mixed feelings from students and businesses alike.

"I think it would hurt our late-night business, after 10 p.m., especially Friday nights," said Jessica Nadeau, manager of Biltmore Grill. "I think it would turn customers away, especially students that have the option of going to house parties where they can smoke."

The possibility of losing customers could be difficult for business owners in the area. A bill banning smoking in public areas already has been passed in New York and California, and some reactions in those areas have solidified business owners’ fears.

"We had two girls from California, that had the law instated, and they said they don’t even go to bars anymore because of it," Nadeau said.

News of this potential ban received mixed reviews on the JMU campus. Some students feel that the ban is out of place in its intentions, especially when it affects locations such as bars where smoking is commonplace. The ban will only affect bars that do not distinguish smoking and non-smoking sections.

"Bars are for drinking, smoking and talking loud," sophomore Patricia Demitr. "Restaurants contain a division enabling patrons to decide whether they want to be in a smoking or non-smoking section. Understanding their right to choose has not been violated. Non-smokers should quit complaining."

Some students felt this proposed ban is setting a good example for the non-smoking movement.

"I feel that there is a big push for a healthier lifestyle for younger generations, so a ban on smoking in public places will make the restaurant appeal to more people," junior Julia Wilson said.