KTKA

Friday is just the first day for the indoor ban on smoking in Topeka and we wanted to see how bars and restaurants were affected.

Scott Fitzgerald works at The Office, He said, "I haven't been able to tell yet." Customer Karla Hardman added, "This is about the same crowd" and Mary Jane Hellebust with Tobacco Free Kansas said, "This is a good thing."

Mixed reactions about the ban, ranged from "it's not that big of a deal" to those who still think smoking is OK. "I hope we get smoking back. I'm a smoker. It's cold outside. It's winter. They could have done this in the summer time."

A petition drive is still underway. Opponents of the ban have until April to submit the required number of signatures.

Overall the vast majority of people that we spoke to did not have strong feelings about the ban and were happy Topeka was taking what they thought was a step in the right direction,

"This is a good day for Topeka not only for customer in places but for people who are working there," said Mary Jane Hellebust.

The city hopes business owners will enforce the law. But if police are called, the first fine is $50, the second offense is $100 and the third is $200.

Smokers must be at least ten feet from the main entrance of any business and some bars such as The Office plan to build outdoor patios for smokers.