Indiana Residents Split Over Smoking Ban

Draconian rules make it hard for businesses to accommodate different customers

Indiana's first statewide smoking ban is getting mixed reviews from business owners and customers six months after its restrictions took effect.

The law, which took effect July 1, bans smoking in most public places and requires that people stand 8 feet from an entrance before lighting up. But it has exceptions for bars, gambling facilities, cigar and hookah bars, tobacco retail stores and nonprofit private clubs such as fraternal and veterans organizations.

While some customers are delighted with local bars that have gone smoke-free, some business owners aren't happy.