Smoking ban now in effect for Oklahoma restaurants

Restaurant patrons across the state are breathing a little easier Wednesday. <br/><br/>Oklahoma's ban on smoking in restaurants went into effect Wednesday. Restaurants have to be totally smoke free

Tuesday, February 28th 2006, 1:21 pm

By: News On 6

Restaurant patrons across the state are breathing a little easier Wednesday.

Oklahoma's ban on smoking in restaurants went into effect Wednesday. Restaurants have to be totally smoke free or have a separately ventilated room for smokers.

Some business made physical changes in their stores to keep customers. It may be a hassle, but businesses that don't comply face a fine of $10 to $100. Ala Khater with the Corner Cafe:" I have to keep up with it. It's a hassle from the beginning, but I have to keep up with it because it's the law and we're going to have to go by law."

The state health commissioner estimates 97-percent of Oklahoma restaurants will be totally smoke free.

The law includes exceptions for smoking in bars and in some restaurants.