News 12 @ 11 o'clock-- August 2, 2008

NORTH AUGUSTA, Sc--As Katrice Griffin and her son enjoy eating together at the Waffle House in North Augusta, the air is a little clearer. Chairs that are usually filled by smokers, today are empty and its all because of the city's new smoking ban.

"I really think it is a wonderful thing. I am a smoker, but I just think we should all have respect for other people," said Katrice.

But not all feel like this smoker.

"I personally don't smoke, but I just think its wrong. I think its just another one of our freedoms being taken away, " said Jake Jones, a North Augusta non-smoker.

Waffle House regulars are still coming to the restaurant as a part of their daily routine, but now have to step outside to smoke; even taking their coffee outside just to light up. And for some visitors here for a family reunion, that's exactly what smokers should have to do.

"For the longest, I was hoping that something would be done about the smoking in restaurants because I think smoking should be left outside," said Robert Dow, Sr.

And his son agrees.

"Many of the festivities were on this side of the river in the state of South Carolina, so there was a concern that smoking would be allowed in restaurants," said Robert Dow, Jr.

A concern that's no longer a problem because of the ban and as for Katrice, it couldn't have come at a better time.

"I think its more of a respect thing. I think its a great thing and will only improve the quality of life," said Katrice.

Respect that smokers in North Augusta will now have to consider.

The Waffle House expect to see an increase in customers because without a smoking section, they'll have more booths open for non-smokers. Other restaurants such as Al's Family Restaurant went smoke-free two weeks before the ban was in place and the owner says it hasn't hurt business.