Smoking Ban Reversed

Tonight the Champaign City Council voted 5 to 4 to allow smoking inside bars, but it wouldn't change anything for restaurants. Of course all this talk about lighting up has turned into a hot topic. Some non-smokers are calling that vote hypocritical and a waste of time, because a state-wide ban is just a signature away. But council members who voted for the reversal say they're making the move because too many businesses are losing out to nearby towns that allow smoking. Smokers say, even if it's short-lived, they're excited to once again have the right to light up inside. Overall businesses had mixed reactions tonight. Some bar owners said they plan to stay smoke free even though the ban's been lifted. Others say this is great news and will help boost their sales. Then there are others that say all this switching is starting to become a hassle. Tumble Inn is just one bar that added an outdoor seating area to accommodate smokers, now it looks like they won't be needing it. The owner there says his bar's been cleaner, and he doesn't plan to put ashtrays out again.