Beginning Dec. 7, people going into a restaurant will not have to worry about sitting behind a puff of smoke.

Ohio voters passed Issue 5 in the Nov. 7 election, a law that bans smoking in public places such as restaurants and bars. The law allows smoking in private homes, outdoor establishments and some family-owned and operated businesses.

From a marketing perspective, businesses will not be greatly affected. According to lecturer Irene Dickey of the UD marketing department, there are more non-smokers than smokers.

'Smokers might be inconvenienced, but non-smokers are going to like getting their meals and drinks without a side of smoke,' she said. 'Smokers will either smoke less or find places where they can smoke.'

Instructor Martin Sinnott reiterates that restaurants and bars will not lose many customers. He can remember a time when people could smoke in movie theaters and on commercial flights.

'In a few years, you will be able to say the same about restaurants and bars,' he said. ''We remember a time when we could smoke in them. Did a smoking ban hurt restaurant and bar business? No!''

Sinnott suggests the recent smoking ban is 'just a case of Ohio catching up with other states.' For example, New York and California already have the law in effect. Also, public smoking is banned in countries such as Ireland and Uruguay.

'This law is good for non-smoking businesses already,' said Jennifer Siemens, marketing department assistant professor. 'It puts them on the same playing field as the rest.'

Before the statewide ban, certain cities in Ohio enacted individual laws on smoking. For example, Centerville's ban began in April 2005. Other cities with bans include Toledo and Columbus.

'In areas that previously banned smoking in public places, a significant drop in business was reported,' Dickey said. 'But this was most likely due to many customers visiting suburbs where smoking was still legal.

Junior marketing major Chris Rupp from Centerville remembers when people would go to restaurants just outside the city limits to smoke at dinner.

'The Friday's smoking section boomed after Centerville banned smoking,' he said. 'The restaurant is right on the border in Miamisburg.'

Certain strategies may be adopted in order to make businesses more appealing to smokers. Restaurants and bars may consider setting up outdoor dining areas, according to Dickey. Sinnott suggests this may help to 'steal business from competitors.'

Siemens also mentioned the take-out business may increase. More people may choose to eat at home just so they can smoke. At most, the smaller, local businesses will lose patrons from this.

'The core market of these customers smoke,' she said. 'They simply won't go anymore if they can't smoke there.'

UD students have their own take on Issue 5 being passed. According to smokers, the ban will not last long or will not be followed correctly.

'I feel this law is not fair,' said Kevin Crotte, junior international studies and marketing major. 'My fun at bars will be affected, and I may stay at home longer before I go out.'

Rupp has the same opinion when it comes to smoking in public places. According to him, it will hurt businesses and 'won't last.'

On the other hand, UD non-smokers are excited about Issue 5. One freshman wishes there was a limit on outside smoking too.

'I don't enjoy walking into a cloud of smoke every time I leave Founders,' said Jenny Roettker, undecided business major. 'There should be a ban on how far you have to be from buildings in order to smoke.'

Smoking inside was a new concept for junior public relations major Kristen Ehlers when she arrived on campus, and now she is glad Ohio's laws match those of her own state.

'Growing up in California, I was never exposed to smoke in restaurants,' she said. 'When I came here it was so noticeable. If people choose to smoke, it's their own choice, but I want to be able to go out to a restaurant or bar comfortably.'

Issue 5 was supported by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners, the Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio State Medical Association. Given the name SmokeFree Ohio, it won over Issue 4, which would have limited smoking in all public places except for bars, restaurants, smoke shops, bowling alleys and bingo halls. Issue 4 was labeled SmokeLess Ohio and backed by major tobacco companies, among others.