BLOWING SMOKE IN ILLINOIS

It ain't over yet folks. There are some who are trying to reverser - or modify - the Illinois smoking ban that went into effect January 1st. The Bench predicted severe damage to many bars and taverns. Seems we were right, and many of those saloon owners are screaming for help. Proposal dredges smoking from the ashes January 23, 2008 By LORRAINE SWANSON News-Star Staff Writer An Illinois State Rep. out of West Chicago wants to introduce a bill that will make some establishments exempt from the Smoke-Free Illinois Act--good news to some tavern owners who've seen a change in business since the statewide smoking ban took effect Jan. 1. "Yes, we would be interested in supporting the bill," said Lisa Hancock, who co-owns the Ravneswood Pub at 5455 N. Ravenswood Ave., with her husband, Ken. "We've seen a change in some of our regulars who smoke who aren't staying as long." FULL STORY...