SAVANNA, Ill. — Some local business owners are concerned that a new Illinois law will affect their bottom line.

The Smoke Free Illinois Act goes into effect at midnight tonight. According to the act, the new state law protects employees and the public from secondhand smoke and prohibits smoking in public places and places of employment within 15 feet of any entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited. Public places where smoking is prohibited include, but are not limited to, restaurants, bars/taverns, bowling alleys, private clubs, offices, hospitals, gaming facilities, dormitories, public conveyances, sports arenas, retail and commercial establishments, convention facilities, vehicles and buildings owned or leased by the state, and not less than 75 percent of hotel/motel sleeping rooms.

Jerry Gendreau, owner of the Iron Horse Social Club located at 314 Main St. in Savanna, Ill., says the new law is a revenue issue for the state and one more rights infringement by “big brother.” He said he understands the intention of the law is to protect service workers and patrons, but said those people are aware they are entering an establishment where cigarette smoke is present. Gendreau said the restriction likely will cost him some income and be hard on business owners in an already fragile economy.

“I’m a non-smoker but I respect everybody’s rights. I think it’s wrong, very, very wrong. If it’s a health issue, it shouldn’t come down to revenue,” he said.

Gendreau said while he doesn’t agree with the new law, he will remove the ashtrays in the bar and make an announcement that people will not be able to smoke at midnight. He remarked he may have a hard time enforcing the smoking ban as people may retire to the restrooms to hide their indoor smoking.

“I think it comes down to people’s rights. Where does it start and where does it stop,” said Gendreau.

He stated he hopes the state will make some kind of exemption to the restriction available, but universally, and not just to gambling operations or at a high premium that many small business owners would not be able to afford.

Wayne Schroeder, owner of The Outpost, 6046 Penrose Road in Fulton, Ill., said the new law may affect his revenue, at least for a while until people adjust to the smoking restriction. Schroeder said he doesn’t agree with the smoking ban, but has No Smoking signs ready to be put up tonight.

“I don't think it's right. I think that they're telling me what I can and can't do with my business,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder said he plans to create a sheltered outdoor area for his patrons that smoke and mark a line 15 feet from the exits denoting where smokers can light up. He noted while some non-smokers have remarked to him they will patronize Illinois establishments more, many regular Outpost patrons have indicated they will not come to the bar/restaurant as much as before.

Savanna resident Gary Steed says he will still go to his favorite places on special occasions, but said he may stay home more often because there, he can smoke wherever he wants to. He remarked that many Illinois residents may opt to cross the river and frequent Iowa establishments instead.

“I imagine it's going to cost a lot of bars a lot of business,” said Steed. “I think the state is overstepping their bounds.”

Under the law, those who smoke in restricted areas can be fined not less than $100 and not more than $250.

Business owners who allow smoking in restricted areas can be fined not less than $250 for the first violation and not less than $2,500 for additional violations within one year of the first violation.

For information about Smoke-Free Illinois visit www.smoke-freeillinois.gov or www.whitesidehealth.org.