Smokers, restaurants adapt during first year of smoking ban [View All]

[onehandle]

Source: Sun-Times

A year ago, smokers were inhaling their last puffs of tobacco in their favorite watering holes and restaurants. Eateries, bars and casinos were crying foul, bracing for the drop in revenues they expected as a result when smokers were forced outside.

Non-smokers were counting the days until the statewide ban on the habit was in place. Today, those with a penchant for butts haul themselves into court to contest smoking tickets. Or they brave winter winds for the toasted taste. Casinos say they're losing money, especially near borders with neighboring states, where customers have moved across the state line to gamble because they can smoke there.

And the Legislature is still working to clear up enforcement of the ban that prohibits smoking in and within 15 feet of public places. Yet, by most accounts, it appears the Southland has adjusted to a smoke-free lifestyle, despite a rocky start, with disgruntled smokers pushed outdoors during January cold.

"They weathered the storm," said David Seaman, a Tinley Park Village trustee who is on the American Cancer Society's national board of directors. "Not all smokers are surly people. I just don't think it was quite the issue that people feared early on." Seaman and anti-smoking advocates insist the ban will reduce lung cancer cases and the number addicted. Some point to California, a pioneer in anti-smoking efforts from where studies are proving those theories.

Read more: http://www.suntimes.com/news/1360518,010409smokeban.article