It has been a little over a year since the Smoke-Free Illinois Act took effect.

Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker has only heard positive results about the ban. Baker also said this is a progressive movement that is helping both smokers and non-smokers.

“People who smoke have cut down or quit, and now people can go anywhere without filling their lungs with smoke,” Baker said.

Baker said DeKalb was actually ahead of the curve in enforcing the ban.

“We were progressive and started in September,” Baker said. “We passed it in the city; we followed Chicago.”

Though there was some speculation whether bars and restaurants would see fewer customers, Hannah Manness, Kishwaukee College sophomore business major, said she hasn’t seen a difference.

“I have felt it stayed the same,” Mannes said.

Smokers are now designated to a specific area outside to keep the indoor environment smoke-free.

“It’s an oxymoron; you have a student smoking standing right next to a no-smoking sign,” said junior marketing major Robert Booker.

Though Sen. Brad Burzynski didn’t vote for the smoking ban, he believes residents appreciate it.

“I think people are pleased with the ban,” he said. “I voted against the ban. I believe the owner needs to make the decision on their own to ban smoking in these places.”

Bryan Venhorst, Fatty’s Pub & Grille bartender and DeKalb resident, likes the idea of smoking rooms. These rooms would be completely ventilated where non-smokers would not feel the effects of the smoke. As an employee, he appreciates that the smoking ban ensures clean air at work.

“I enjoy it,” Venhorst said. “I don’t want to be smoking other people’s cigarettes. I work in a bar; I smoke; [the ban is] good for me, but it sucks.”

Freshman engineering major Jacob Hamilton believes the ban violates certain individual rights.

“I understand where they’re coming from, but it’s an infringement on rights, especially in bars,” Hamilton said.