By News 25 Staff
Fears the smoking ban would devastate the bar business is just a myth to one establishment. Some sports bar employees say the Smoke Free Illinois Act is not stopping their business from booming this football season.
It is just 20 days into the new smoking ban law and Buffalo Wild Wings employees in East Peoria say they are still getting their normal January crowds. Assistant manager Bridget Wiemer says smokers are still coming in but they are just taking their habit outdoors.
“Most of the people are actually glad it has happened because most of them are non-smokers. I really haven’t received many complaints. Business has still been good and most people are enjoying coming into a non-smoking restaurant,” Assistant Manager Bridget Wiemer says.
The East Peoria Buffalo Wild Wings plans to build a heated outdoor awning to accommodate smokers.