Anti-Smoking Ban Captiol Rally

Rally at the state capitol aims at putting a stop to a state-wide smoking ban. Thursday hundreds of business owners from across Illinois offered another route for the proposed ban. Local businesses say they're in favor of a state-wide ban ... But on certain conditions. Since the bans took affect in a number of central Illinois towns ... They say business has dropped 40 percent. Some owners say if the state goes smoke free they want exceptions ... Like bars..and other businesses that *rely on smokers. A Springfield business owner says since the ban.. the money just isn't there to survive. "I'm closed an additional 48 hours a week and i've had to let two people go..one I had to let go she's a single mother..two kids..she's pregnant..and my other one is a single mom of two." Said Cottage Inn Owner, Sue Shaw. Shaw says if businesses stays the way it is ... She'll have to sell. On the other side ... The American Cancer Society says statistics prove ..there's not a long-term impact on businesses going smoke-free. It's even started its own campaign today.. pushing a state-wide ban.. through t-v commercials.