Circuit Judge Sherrie Paler's ruling on Decatur's smoking ban this week was no surprise. Banning smoking in public places takes place in cities across the nation so there was no expectation that Decatur would be the exception.

Thus, she dismissed a case brought by owners of Nash Bar and Grill, Frontier Entertainment and TK's Bar. The judge granted a temporary restraining order that allowed smoking to continue in the three bars until she ruled Wednesday. Now, the clubs must abide by the anti-smoking ordinance that took effect Oct. 1.

They may appeal the ruling but they will only be spending mad money that could go into creative alternatives that keep their customers coming back.

Bars in other smoke-free cities figured out ways to thrive.

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