A bill that would have required Virginia restaurants that allow smoking to notify the public -- but also would have weakened existing state law regarding indoor smoking -- has been vetoed by Gov. Tim Kaine, the Associated Press reported April 10.

The measure would have required restaurants to post signs outside their doors telling patrons that smoking is allowed inside. However, it also would have eliminated a current requirement that restaurants establish a separate nonsmoking section.

During debate on the measure, state lawmakers rejected an attempt by Kaine to amend the bill to make it a comprehensive ban on indoor smoking in Virginia. Kaine said he would order the state health commissioner to draft an indoor-smoking bill for reintroduction in the 2008 legislative session.