Will smoking ban hurt area businesses?

Some area restaurant owners worry the smoking ban may hurt their business.

“I think people are going to come out and eat anyway. Our place is kind of a family place. We have a lot of neighborhood people who come out here, I believe they will still come anyway. I don’t think they will be very happy about it but I think business will still continue,” said Melissa Allen, staff manager at Ezzell’s.

WWAY also spoke to the manager at Fat Tony’s, who says he hopes customers will continue to support their restaurant.

He hopes smokers will take advantage of their outdoor seating areas.