The tension is mounting as the “communiversity” of DeKalb prepares to resolve whether to ban smoking.

The polarizing issue is riddled with many sub-plots.

Bars with Class A liquor licenses, which only serve alcohol, may successfully lobby to get an exception to the ban. Council Members Karega Harris and Donna Gorski both hinted they would be in favor of excluding bars from the smoking ban legislation.

Otherwise, those with Class E liquor licenses may be detrimentally affected if smokers are forced to inhale elsewhere.

While it is true these establishments generate some revenue from serving food, the bulk of income comes from the rush of people thirsting for late night beverages. If smokers have a choice within DeKalb, there will be some definite economic winners and losers.

The establishments at the highest potential risk have a large contingent of smoking customers.

Smokers’ reaction to a total ban has been debated. Some say the smokers will leave in droves, while others say non-smokers previously driven away will return to the bars. Then others say the smokers will adapt and wear a winter coat when they duck outside.

Steve Kapitan, DeKalb’s Third Ward Alderman, acting as an ambassador for DeKalb to Sycamore, said at Sycamore’s Monday council meeting that some form of the ban will probably pass. He asked that Sycamore consider its own version to avoid the “island effect.”

EstablishmentManagementLiquor LicenseAndy’s LoungeRobert Goehring, managerA”We are projecting a 20 to 40 percent downturn in business. It’s very hard to get customers downtown. We have installed filtering systems that bring in outside air. We can turn over the air in 20 minutes.”Fatty’sJeff Dobie, ownerA”The impact on business is the great unknown, but you will see spillover into Sycamore. Business owners should be able to decide if they want smoking. Employees understand the risks when they apply. The difference between a restaurant and a bar is a gray area. The problem with the bar business is the margins are so small.”O’Leary’s PubDeb Witmer, ownerE”I wish it could be a statewide ban, I could support that. I don’t have enough customers to turn any away.”Pizza VillaJohn Finn, ownerE”We have had only positive feedback since going non-smoking in June 2004. We had a wait for non-smoking on the weekends so the change seemed obvious. Small business owners should be able to make their own policy.”The BarnVince Tobin, ownerE”If it’s that bad, why do they let the tobacco companies manufacture? New York and California got killed when they banned smoking. I’ll lose 60 percent of my business.”The House CafeKimberly Lueken, managerE”Our smoking section is more full. Sending smokers outside would create a less hospitable atmosphere. It will move money out of the area. We will see a deeper impact at night.”The Huka CornerJoel Harb, ownerN/A (Tobacco)”We may not be able to serve hookahs. Three-fourths of our revenue comes from smoking hookahs. They are going to run me out of business and cost me thousands of dollars.”The JunctionJohn Bahramis, ownerNone”We don’t know what will happen, we think we are going to lose business. Customers have told me they will go to Sycamore.”Spring GardenGeorge B., managerNone”The distance is not far to go left or right, Sycamore is so close so this will hurt business. Lincoln Highway is going to become a ghost town.”