I looked up at the NO SMOKING sign posted at Molly’s Friday night in disbelief, even though I knew the figurative writing had been on the wall for some time.

Policy change takes a long time in DeKalb and this smoking ban has been a long time coming.

Two years ago as the DeKalb government reporter, I began writing stories about a potential smoking ban. Despite their passion, those people never fought for their rights.

It became a running joke with the photo editor that the only thing I would ask readers about was the smoking ban. Students especially enjoyed ranting about the ban, so I liked asking.

What struck me right down to the very end was the inability of local customers and business owners to put pressure on their representatives to alter policy.

I am confident with the right pressure, DeKalb could have gone smoke-free in January, not September. The problem too often is those that yell the loudest do the least and then complain about their fate.

Different bars dealt with the ban differently Friday night. DeKalb police did not begin to enforce the ban Friday and will only enforce the ban on a complaint basis.

The policy disconnect is often between mainstream students that talk about how they hate the policies of this town and the citizens that actually speak up to get their wishes.