Smoking Ban Starts in Hopkins Co.

As of today, smoking was officially snuffed out in lots of places in Hopkins County - at least for now. The no-smoking ordinance went into effect. A law suit and pending court hearing could derail the ban, but restaurants still made the switch today. You cant smoke at the Country Cupboard anymore. And, the signs are everywhere. "Several of the people have been very positive and said Hey, thats great. So, we havent had any problems at all," said Wayne Browning, part owner of the restaurant. Browning said he gets why the ban would make some people mad. "Theyre liberties are infringed on some, and I can understand that," he said. "But, the majority of the people prefer non-smoking, especially with children." Misty Weldon has children. Shes eating with her husband and two nine-week old twins. "I actually used to be smoker," she said. "When you are a smoker, youre not always conscious of other people. Now, that I do have little ones, and I dont smoke, I am way more conscious about that." The no smoking ordinance is now in effect across Hopkins County. Opponents say they were told it wouldnt be enforced until at least they have their court hearing. But, the health department says it was planning on 30-day grace period anyway. Browning says he didnt really even need a grace period. Smoking hasnt been a huge problem at the restaurant, which sees hundreds of customers on sundays. "Say, on a typical Sunday, we could have probably 5 to 6 tables of smokers," he said. Even then, smoking was only allowed in the back room, which is separated from the main dining area. Its a room that, for now, remains smoke-free too. Opponents of the ban, who filed the law suit, claim the policy is unconstitutional because an appointed board, not an elected body, passed it.