Walker won't repeal smoking ban

Nearly one year since Wisconsin went smoke free, Governor Scott Walker reversed policy and announced he wants the state to stay that way.

The workplace smoking ban took effect July 5, 2010.

Despite the governor's backing, it's still drawing mixed reaction.

"Being non-smoking is a great thing," Corey Bringman with Sabre Lanes, bowling alley said. "You get kids involved, you obviously don't have to worry about your health as much here at work, to me that's the best thing."

The bowling alley says it didn't see a drop in business with the change, so it welcomes the still contentious ban. Plus, the lack of smoke leaves its facilities cleaner.

"Parents are a lot more apt to bring their kids in," Bringman added.

Walker says it's stories like that, that have him re-thinking the ban.

In a Thursday statement, he said, "although I did not support the original smoking ban, after listening to people across the state it is clear to me that it works, therefore I will not support a repeal."

During his campaign, Walker opposed the ban.

"I don't think the government should be involved in telling small businesses what they should or shouldn't do," he said in July, 2010.

Employees at Kaukauna's Lazy Dog are disappointed Walker changed his mind.

"It's hurting our business, yes, yes, it is and people have their rights so I feel they should be able to smoke if they want to," waitress Peggy Vancamp said.

She says the bar just installed a covered outdoor smoking area to recapture that business, but it's been tough, especially at the lunch hour.

While it's clear opinions on the ban remain mixed, compliance hasn't been an issue.

According to the Department of Health Services, just one percent of businesses have been reported for violations.

Recent polls, suggest support for the ban have gradually increased.

The American Cancer society says 75 percent of Wisconsinites now back the ban.

As a non-smoker, Vancamp sees both sides.

"To myself, I'm glad it's out, but I know a lot of people don't like it," she said.

Though Walker reacted to the ban on Thursday, the law was passed under former Governor Jim Doyle.

At the time, Democrats controlled both the Senate and the Assembly.