Since the Smoke Free Illinois Law was enacted this year, thousands of people are reporting smoking violations across the state.

But despite those unhappy with the law, there are central Illinois businesses that say it's bringing better results than expected.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports it has received more than 19,000 complaints from across the state.
Peoria health officials believe most complaints are from the Chicago area.

But 75 complaints at establishments in Peoria County, 31 in McLean County, and 24 in Tazewell County .mean Central Illinois is receiving its fair share as well.
But two Peoria managers that began as pessimists for the law, say their initial complaints are now unfounded.

"We're really starting to see an improvement in lunch business and early evening as they're doing business activities," said Sully's General Manager Curt Johnson.

And that's not all.
Sully's in downtown Peoria is seeing a lot more families too.
Manager Curt Johnson says it's the Illinois Smoke Free Act that's bringing different faces to his business.
Across the River City, Bingo officials say the act is also scoring new players.

"We may have some people that aren't coming out but on the other side of the equation we have some different faces," said Roger Boswell of the Knights of Columbus.

The Community Bingo Center is where the Morton Knights of Columbus hosts bingo.
Twin sisters Eleanor and Ellen have been coming to play for the past 10 years just like other avid players.
But they have had a little change in routine, now that the smoking hall's smoke free..

"We like smoking here and having a lot of fun and when they took the smoking away it's very inconvenient," said Ellen Wood.

The Bingo Hall now has a tent for smokers outside.
That's why the twins disagree with Bingo organizers.

"A lot of people don't come out to bingo because it's too cold to come out and smoke so they're losing a lot of business," said Eleanor Shelton.

"They're used to smoking in here," said Wood.

Bingo Hall officials have added an extra break to allow smokers to get in an extra drag outdoors.
And Health Department officials hope smokers will start accepting the law sooner than later.

"It's sad that there's so many people that are not caring about this law when its to protect them. It's to protect the public," said Sherah Bateman of the Peoria Health Department.

Health departments encourage people to call or report smoking violations.