This letter is to ask where are all the non-smokers in the downtown bars now that the smoking ban is in effect?

Several bartenders in downtown Bloomington have commented to me personally how the smoking ban has affected their personal finances. Tips are now cut in half or more due to lack of patronage.

The smoking ban was heavily pushed due to people worrying about everyone's health and now that they have got their way, where are all of you?

There are a lot of bartenders and wait staff that rely on tips for a big portion of their survival. What happens to these people, even though they can now breathe easier, but can't afford to put food on their table?

When these bars are forced to shut their doors, and the staff has to go on public aid for lack of income, what kind of support will the non-smokers give then? Not to mention possible loss of these people's homes and vehicles and a lack of money for their children's extra-curricular activities.

Joel A. Neal

Bloomington