DeKALB | With the city’s smoking ban going into effect Friday, smokers will have to leave indoor smoking sections for their relaxing after-meal smoke and venture outside restaurants.

Baker’s Square, 131 N. Annie Glidden Road, is accepting the city’s ban, and will adhere to the regulations set forth by the city.

“There’s nothing we can do; just comply. We aren’t expecting any change in our customers,” said John McCormick, manager of the restaurant.

The Junction Eating Place, 816 W. Lincoln Highway, isn’t worried about the ban’s introduction, either.

“Customers come in for the food, not to smoke,” said night manager George Bahramis.

Other area eateries are more apprehensive.

“We will see how business goes,” said George Broches, manager of Spring Gardens restaurant, 1262 W. Lincoln Highway.

The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, went smoke-free in May, earlier than the ban required, and business hasn’t changed.

“We still have the same crowd. Smokers go outside to smoke,” said assistant manager Lizette Gonzalez. “We have an outside café with tables and chairs for smokers.”

Gonzalez said the ban had more positive effects than the café originally anticipated.

“It’s been working out,” Gonzalez said. “The smoking ban hasn’t affected us as much as we thought.”

Junior history major Brian Donahue is not in favor of the smoking ban.

“I don’t like it. It’s kind of ridiculous. It could be hazardous, but it’s my choice,” Donahue said.

Donahue also is against the ban from a historical perspective.

“As a history major, I find that tobacco was always one of our major exports. We wouldn’t be the same without it,” he added.

Other students support the ban because of health concerns.

“Not to oppose the rights of others, but I think [the ban] is good. It keeps other people healthy,” said Branden Engleking, a junior physical therapy major.