Sophie Yalinska, 23 of Chicago, is in favor of the state's new smoking ban -- even though she's a smoker.

"I think it's great! People always complain about it ... and now you don't have to get lung cancer if you don't smoke," she said.

As of Jan. 1, state law prohibits smoking in bars and night clubs. Yalinska and other bar-goers were positive about the change. Others had some choice words for their elected officials.

Joey Threlkelz, 21 of Logan Square, was anything but happy about the ban as he smoked across the street from the Lion's Head Pub .

"I think the smoking ban is garbage…my prediction for like 2015 is that smoking will be banned completely."

For bartenders and owners, it's too early to tell whether the ban will cut their business.

"January and February are the doldrums of this industry. So, I think we will get a better sense of it in three or four more months,"  said bartender Tim Burhenne of McFadden's. 

Anna Novak, 24 of Norwich, is a social smoker. She only smokes when she drinks and now the smoking ban has forced her outside to light up.

"It sucks in the winter," she said Saturday, while visiting Lincoln Park bars.

But, she said, the ban will not deter her from going out.

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