Another amendment proposed on ban

Another amendment has been proposed on the smoking ban.

Rep. Nelson Cole, a Rockingham County Democrat, proposed allowing smoking sections in areas of restaurants with their own ventilation systems and restaurants and bars that are not open to minors.

He took an economic angle, arguing that tobacco brought in billions and employed 38,000 people, including 10,000 farmers.

That includes Commonwealth Brands, which is located in his district, he said. 

"Folks, tobacco made this state," he said. "What tobacco's done for this state, put it where it is. While it's decreasing, we don't need to be kicking them in the teeth."

Bill sponsor Rep. Hugh Holliman said the bill would not hurt tobacco companies and argued the amendment would not protect restaurant workers.

"Nothing in this bill keeps anyone from smoking," he said.