Local bar owners say smoking ban has cut into their business

One year into Illinois' statewide smoking ban, most area bars, taverns, lounges and restaurants are complying with the law by shelving the ashtrays and posting "no smoking" signs. But some say that by condemning the consumption of cigars and cigarettes inside places of business, these establishments are inflicting even more self-damage during an economic crisis. "Everything is a challenge right now," Babcock said. "Trying to get people to go outside to smoke and not lose their business is a real challenge." Babcock says she goes along with the law only because it is law. Although she is not a smoker, she believes bars should be exempt from the legislation because going to a bar is a luxury, not a necessity.

"I don't think they have the right to dictate and inflict this upon us," Babcock said. The Winnebago County Health Department, the only local agency seriously enforcing the smoking ban that went into effect Jan.