Are bars observing the smoking ban?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The statewide smoking ban went into effect Saturday -- but did anyone observe it?

24 Hour News 8 went to about 25 bars to investigate whether businesses were abiding by the ban, even when no one was watching.

Most of the bars did comply with the new ordinance -- meaning no smoky smell, and crowds of bar-goers went outside to brave the Saturday night rain to legally light up.

Target 8 cameras did witness a few exceptions.

At one establishment, although the inside of the bar was smoke free, our undercover cameras caught several people smoking on an outside patio where drinks were being consumed. The first violation we witnessed was in a night of overall compliance.

"Most people (have) just been asking if anybody's firing up," a compliant bar employee said. "They just come in and ask me, and I'm like, nope, not yet."

The smoking ban means people cannot smoke in most restaurants and bars, and all ash trays have to be removed. No-smoking signs need to be posted, and no smoking will be allowed where food or beverages are served or consumed.

According to the law, enforcement is the responsibility of local health departments. Representatives from Kent County's Health Department told 24 Hour News 8 enforcement will be mostly complaint driven, but they will also look for tell-tale signs of smoking during twice-yearly unannounced health inspections.

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On the Web:

Michigan Department of Community Health

Smoking ban text

Kent County Health Department