Smokefree Alexandria?

Alexandria, Va. anti-smoking zealots think they have figured out a way to get around a state law that prohibits municipalities from banning smoking.

Under the plan, the city would require a bar or restaurant to be smoke-free in order to get a permit.

Restaurants that already have permits would have to agree to go smoke-free in three months or risk future restrictions or even closure.

If this idiocy comes to fruition, I suggest the state counter by passing a law that offers special, free, state-issued operating permits to bars and restaurants in Alexandria. Better still, the state could pass a law that says no bar or restaurant in Alexandria need have a permit to operate.