(a) The owner and/or operator of a public place shall conspicuously post a “No Smoking” sign, the international “No Smoking” symbol (depiction of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) or other sign containing words or pictures that prohibit smoking:
(1) In each public place and workplace where smoking is prohibited by this chapter; and
(2) At each entrance to a public place or workplace.
(b) The owner/operator of a public place shall conspicuously post signs in areas where smoking is permitted under § 29.5-3.
(c) The owner/operator of a public place and an employer shall remove any and all ashtrays or other smoking accessories from a place where smoking is prohibited.
(d) An owner/operator commits an offense if he or she violates any provision of this section.
(e) An owner/operator commits an offense if he or she knowingly allows a person to remain in a place under the owner/operator’s control while such person is smoking in violation of this chapter. This offense is punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each offense. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
(f) It is not a defense to prosecution of any offense under this chapter that an owner/operator failed to post a sign required under this section.
(Ord. 17719, § 1, passed 8-21-2007)