Commonwealth Brands has fired the first salvo over the smoking ban bill.

The Kentucky cigarette manufacturer, which has a factory in Reidsville, says it has sent a letter to state Rep. Hugh Holliman objecting to a bill that would outlaw smoking in restaurants and bars. 

"It is our view that wholesale smoking bans in public places are disproportionate and unnecessary," said vice president Anthony Helmsley in a press release.

He said that public smoking can be handled by providing good ventilation and non-smoking areas and allowing business owners to decide.

Helmsley also said the "overreaching" proposed regulation "unreasonaly infringes upon our individual freedoms."

"Commonwealth Brands will continue to fight for the rights and interests of our consumers," he said.

Which legislators have tobacco companies in their districts?

With the General Assembly again considering enacting a smoking ban in restaurants and workplaces, Dome decided to see who represents the tobacco firms.

Alternative Brands, Mocksville:
Rep. Julia Howard, Sen. Andrew Brock

Commonwealth Brands, Reidsville:
Rep. Nelson Cole, Sen. Phil Berger

Lorillard, Greensboro:
Rep. Maggie Jeffus, Sen. Don Vaughan

Philip Morris, Concord:
Rep. Jeff Barnhart, Sen. Fletcher Hartsell

Reynolds American, Winston-Salem:
Rep. Larry Womble, Sen. Linda Garrou

Reynolds American, Tobaccoville:
Rep. Dale Folwell, Sen. Pete Brunstetter

In the 2007 session, Reps. Howard, Jeffus, Barnhart and Womble voted for a smoking ban in public places, while Reps. Cole and Folwell voted against it.