Few problems seen so far with smoking ban compliance

Jul 10, 2010 — The Leader-Telegram

Chris Vetter

Jul. 10, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- In the first week that the indoor smoking ban has been in effect, authorities are saying that people are following the law.

"I don't think we've had any complaints," said Chippewa County Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk.

The story's the same in Barron County, where Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald anticipates his deputies will check for violations of the ban when they perform alcohol compliance checks.

"I don't believe we've received a single smoking complaint," Fitzgerald said. "We'll look for it."

Rusk County Sheriff David Kaminski agreed that people are aware of the law.

"People are apparently abiding by the law," said Kaminski, who has received no complaints. "Right now, it's not been an issue."

William "Loopy" Kleich, owner of Loopy's Saloon Grill on Highway X west of Chippewa Falls, said bar patrons have followed the rules.

"Everyone knew it was coming," Kleich said. "It's not a big issue for us."

Loopy's has a patio and backyard, so smokers haven't complained about heading outside in the nice weather.

"When it's raining out, that's another issue," Kleich said.

The ban has brought a few new customers, he added.

"We've had people come out who say they are here because there isn't smoking," Kleich said.

The entire Chippewa County Courthouse property also has gone smoke-free. In the past, smokers gathered outside, near a cul-da-sac on the south side of the building. Now, smokers must leave the courthouse grounds entirely before lighting up.

"In the last two weeks, I haven't seen anyone on county property violate the ordinance," Kowalczyk said. "Everyone is doing their smoking off county property."

Vetter can be reached at 723-0303 or chris.vetter@ecpc.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0398-46841320