How are hookah lounges and cigar bars affected by the new law?
The ban applies to both hookah lounges and cigar bars if they prepare and serve food. There is no exemption in the law for these facilities. Their options are: • Cease preparation and service of food and serve only pre-packaged foods and bottled or canned drinks. Then the ban would not apply. However, if the facility has an ABC license, it may be affected. • Comply with the law by modifying the structure so the smoking area is structurally separate from the non-smoking areas and vent the smoking area to prevent re-circulation of air from the smoking are into the non-smoking area. Are convenience stores and gas stations under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that prepare and serve food but have fewer than 15 seats subject to the ban? The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has reviewed the law and the ban does apply to these facilities.
