I love it. My husband and I have been out to eat more since the smoking ban went into effect than we did all last year. We avoided restaurants because we did not like coming home reeking of smoke.

Unfortunately, we saw the downside of the ban while walking on Main Street in downtown Bloomington last weekend. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. Perfect, except for the thousands of cigarette butts lying on the sidewalks and in the gutters.

We noticed an owner hosing off the sidewalk in front of his bar and commented, "Looks like you need an ashtray." Vehemently he said, "They made it against the law to smoke inside. The police need to do their job and arrest the litterbugs."

How ignorant. How about spending $59 to purchase a cigarette butt receptacle? This would not only cut down on the mess and make your establishment more inviting but it would decrease everyone's stress levels.

Bloomington has enough trouble getting/keeping businesses. Who wants to open a new shop, restaurant, etc. in the middle of a huge ashtray? A little money goes a long way and allows our police force to continuing patrolling for real lawbreakers.

Jacki Pachiva

Bloomington