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Wisconsin bar owners worry about impact of statewide smoking ban  

In just over a year, the smoke will be gone and the owners of the two iconic bars are hopeful that the card games and their customers will remain.

Advocates of a statewide smoking ban, which includes bars and restaurants and begins July 5, 2010, say the ban will largely eliminate the risk of secondhand smoke and will not force bars out of business.

The measure, signed last month by Gov. Jim Doyle, has been criticized by many in the shot-and-a-beer crowd who prefer to drag on a Marlboro or other brand while sipping their drink.

And for some small taverns, there is little to no room for a patio for smokers, something allowed in the new law.

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