Taverns violating Illinois smoking ban

CHICAGO, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A number of Chicago bars are willfully violating an Illinois law that bans smoking in public places, an investigation has found.

The Chicago Tribune and WGN-TV say reporters witnessed patrons smoking at several city bars despite the Smoke-Free Illinois Act that went into effect Jan. 1, 2008.

In report Wednesday, the newspaper and television station said patrons at one Southeast Side tavern were contributing money to help the tavern owner pay fines incurred for flouting the law.

Chicago health officials say smoking-ban scofflaws are the exception and that indoor smoking has been drastically reduced since the ban went into effect.

"There are always some bad apples out there who will try to get around the law," says Tim Hadac, a spokesman for the city's health department. "If you look at the big picture, compliance is widespread."