CRM's New Year's Resolution: Going Smoke-Free

Arlington Community Role Models has a simple New Year's resolution. In 2008, we'll be holding all of our social events at smoke-free venues - bars and restaurants that are either entirely smoke-free or have separate smoke-free facilities.

We've heard our members complain over and over how much it stinks (literally) that DC is smoke-free but Arlington is not. Last year, the Virginia State Senate passed a smoking ban and Gov. Tim Kaine was poised to sign it, but the House killed the bill on a 59-40 vote. Virginia is the last state to hold fast to a legal provision called the Dillon Rule that only allows localities the powers granted to them by the state. However, some communities like Alexandria and Norfolk are trying to get around those limitations and I hear Arlington may be next.

Until then, CRM will use its economic muscle to support businesses that voluntarily go smoke-free. The Arlington Civic Federation maintains the most thorough list of smoke-free restaurants in Arlington. Not on that list are several places that maintain separate smoke-free bars like Tallula, Summers, and Four Courts.

CRM will hold its first smoke-free event next Monday the 7th with our January Monthly Meetup at the new King Street Blues location in Courthouse. You can RSVP at the CRM website or at the Facebook event page!