Wisconsin’s statewide indoor smoking ban takes effect today, July 5, making us the 28th state with such a law. That means no more smoked-filled rooms when going out to eat or drink, except for retail tobacco stores or tobacco bars that existed before June 3, 2009, such as Maduro or Hemingway Lounge.

The public health benefits are obvious. On the business end, it levels the playing field for restaurants and bars in cities that already had a smoking ban (e.g. Madison) relative to their neighbors that didn’t. Whether or not you support the ban, you have to admit it’s nice to come home from a bar not reeking from second-hand smoke.

I remember when Madison went smoke-free on July 1, 2005. The night before, many bars had smoking parties. While I don’t smoke cigarettes, I did take advantage of some free ones at the Local Tavern (now King & Mane). Overall, it was an odd feeling, like the night before prohibition or something.

I suppose we’ll soon be seeing quite a few “smoking rooms,” rooms that have openings over at least 25 percent of the wall space (check out the Bridge Lounge for an example).

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If you want to celebrate Wisconsin going smoke-free, there’s a party from 5:30-10 p.m. tonight at the High Noon Saloon. VO5 and Freedy Johnston will be performing, and admission is free.