
Before the state smoking ban went into effect last Jan. 1, many bar and restaurant owners feared that the new law would have a disastrous impact on business.
But revenue figures for 2008 show that sales tax receipts for bars, nightclubs and restaurants increased in the six months after Illinois went smoke-free. Illinois casinos, on the other hand, have seen a double-digit drop in gaming receipts this year.
Calling all HuffPost superfans!
Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter
Read more on Chicago Sun-Times