Some bars and restaurants are already clearing the air of tobacco smoke even though a statewide smoking ban doesn’t go into effect until July.

            “We’ve had more favorable comments by far,” said Nancy Koch, co-owner of the newly opened Hodge Podge Lodge restaurant in St. Germain. “Most of the customers like the fact that we’re smoke-free and it’s going to be the law anyway starting July."

            The latest to join in the smoking ban is none other than Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers football team, which announced that, effective next season, it will enforce Wisconsin Act 12, which bans smoking in most indoor public places and in workplaces.

            The Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District and the Packers have determined the act applies to all of Lambeau, as it does to restaurants, bars and other places, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.

            So while you’ll still be able to have a beer at the famed NFL stadium, you won’t be able to light up without risking a fine.

           According to the newspaper, Patrick Webb, executive director of the stadium district, told board members this week that a Nov. 15 game-day review of stadium operations revealed that smoking continues to be an issue. He said people often smoke where it is not allowed. Beginning in July, when the new law takes effect, police will be able to ticket people for smoking in the stadium.

            Lambeau Field, named for Packers founder, player, and long-time head coach Curly Lambeau who died in 1965, completed a $295 million renovation in 2003, and in 2007 celebrated its 50^th year.

            The smoking ban was reached last May by Wisconsin lawmakers in a compromise that delayed the effective date of the ban until July 5, 2010. Some state officials and anti-smoking advocates, including Gov. Jim Doyle, wanted the ban to start sooner, but the governor added he was “pleased” with the outcome.

            Organized opposition to the ban was spearheaded by the Wisconsin Tavern League and other groups which saw the ban as an attack on personal freedoms that could keep smoking customers away and drive businesses under. Supporters countered the move will save lives and tax dollars that would otherwise go to pay for health care costs tied to secondhand smoke.

            Under the law, the local bans remain in effect until the state one starts, but local governments would not be allowed to pass stricter regulations.          

            Even under the statewide ban, there are some places where smoking would still be allowed. Tribal casinos and existing cigar bars and specialty tobacco shops will not be subject to the ban. However, hotels could no longer offer rooms for smoking.           

            Violators would face fines of up to $250. Business owners who don't try to stop smokers would get a warning and then a $100 fine for subsequent violations.           

            Wisconsin becomes the 27^th state to adopt a smoking ban. Twenty-two states, including Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, already ban smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces. Four more states -- Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Virginia -- will do so by the end of the year.