RICHMOND, The Virginian-Pilot -- The proposed statewide ban on smoking in many public places, including restaurants, all but died Thursday night when a House subcommittee quickly spiked several smoking bills after an hour of emotional testimony from people on both sides of the issue.

The vote means it's unlikely the Republican-controlled House will entertain the Senate's smoking ban bill, which passed Wednesday. Democrats control the Senate. A statewide smoking ban in restaurants is also a top priority of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, a Democrat.

The subcommittee of the General Laws Committee also squashed bills to give localities the right to impose their own smoking bans, a blow to cities including Virginia Beach and Norfolk that pushed for the power.

The unanimous action disappointed advocates who said secondhand smoke is dangerous and pleased those who saw the proposed ban as government intrusion into private affairs.

"This gives you some idea how much control lobbyists have," said Del. Algie Howell Jr., D-Norfolk, who sponsored one of the ban bills. "It's unbelievable that a handful of people will decide what's in the best interest of the people of Virginia."

Randy Estenson, owner of Poppa's Pub in Virginia Beach, who said 80 percent of his customers smoke, praised the ruling.

"I'm very happy," he said. "I honestly believe businesses are doing what they need to do on their own."

Delegates who voted against the measure took a similar position.

"It's not up to the government to tell people what to do," said Del. Thomas Gear, R-Hampton, chairman of the General Laws ABC/Gaming subcommittee.

Gear said many of his favorite restaurants in Hampton have decided to ban smoking on their own.

Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, who is the only South Hampton Roads lawmaker on the subcommittee, also voted against the bills. Del. Terrie Suit, R-Virginia Beach, who leads the full General Laws Committee, spoke against them.

"The issue has been elevated to the level that so many restaurants have gone smoke free, so it's not longer necessary for the government to do it," Suit said.

Looks like Kansas City is the next place to come to it's senses and left a previously restrictive smoking ban. Now they will allow smoking in 25% of public places, and in any bar where only patrons 21 and older attend:

KC Council revises smoking ban

A revised smoking ban becomes effective in Kansas City on March 23.

About two weeks later, in an April 8 special election, Kansas City voters will consider another, different smoking ban.

Previously, it appeared that voters would have to weigh both a petition initiative and the City Council's ballot measure to limit smoking. But on Thursday, the council stubbed out the ballot measure it had approved earlier this month, instead changing the city's existing smoking ordinance.

Now, voters can override the current ordinance with the petitioners' ban.

The city's revised ban excludes generally 25 percent of hotel and motel rooms, tobacco stores, bars and casino gaming floors. Businesses with liquor licenses that admit only people 21 or older can be exempted from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. or closing if they post a sign indicating smoking is allowed.

Establishments with both a restaurant and bar could allow smoking in the bar if it is completely enclosed and separately ventilated.

"What we tried to do ... is if it's an establishment that those under 21 are able to be admitted, then there's a smoking ban," Councilman Ed Ford said Friday. "We tried to be consistent."

The petition initiative would exclude only casino floors and concourses at Truman Sports Complex.

Regarding indoor establishments, the petition initiative would exclude only casino floors.

Ford said there probably would be a "vigorous campaign" to tell voters about the council's action and educate them about the differences between the bans.

This letter to the editor appeared in Chicago's Daily Herald today - thought it was worth repeating:

Look at other side of smoking ban

To the anti-smoking folks writing letters to the media: There seem to be two major themes coming through loud and clear.

First is a patent hatred of people who smoke. These are your friends, relatives, co-workers, employers and employees, not to mention perfect strangers who have done you no harm. Somewhere between 60 and 90 million of us … depending on who is counting.

It takes a special kind of hate and heartlessness to force people from all walks of life, race, economic status, age, disability, etc. out into the cold to smoke. And outdoor smoking areas --no more than three walls mind you -- can't serve drinks, food, entertainment, TV, heat? This is America?

The second notion is that somehow smokers are forcing you to inhale their smoke. Can someone cite one instance where a smoker forced a non-smoker into an establishment that allows (excuse me, allowed) smoking? Maybe it's just me, but if there is something about a place I don't like, I don't go there. What is so difficult about this concept? A cigar bar? Why then Mr. and Ms. Non-smoker, don't go there if it offends you. But rather the attitude of these people seems to be "change the world to suit me". After all, isn't it "all about me"? No compromise? Again, this is America?

The most successful propaganda is based on the theory that the biggest lie repeated often enough sinks into the subconscious. Then, it becomes religion-like.

Spencer Hendron
Lake Barrington