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Bandito's Burrito Lounge at 2905 Patterson Ave. in the Museum District has notoriously been a hold-out when it comes to the ban on smoking in restaurants in Virginia, which went into effect more than six years ago.

But no more.

Owner Sean McClain said his restaurant will be smoke-free effective Jan. 15.

"I know we’re late on the boat," McClain said. "I feel outdated. It doesn’t make sense to have smoking in restaurants in today’s environment."

Because Bandito's has two separate, walled-off sides of the restaurant - each with its own ventilation system - Bandito's was able to legally allow smoking in one part, despite the ban that went into effect on Dec. 1, 2009, McClain said. In fact, he constructed the nonsmoking side to be in compliance with the law when it passed.

But times have changed. As have Richmond diners.

"Of course the reason is we want to do it is to appeal to more of the families," McClain, who has a 9-year-old son, said. "We think Richmond has gotten used to the idea (of not smoking in restaurants) and so have we."