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An outspoken Langleyville business owner who was once against the Smoke-free Illinois Act is now featured in a statewide media campaign celebrating the law.
"It was quite a popular topic for several months before and since the law has taken effect," said Joe Burton, owner of Burton's Tap. "To burn or not to burn...was the specific question."
After the 2008 Smoke-free Illinois Act was set in place, many bar traditionalist like Joe Burton were adamant in their stance against the act. Burton says in the beginning stamping out indoor smoking left him down but not out.
"That's the law," Burton said. "They're changing the rules of the game, but I still want to play."
A year later, Burton says his business is booming and his bar is turning into the family friendly tavern he envisioned when he started Burton's Tap eleven years ago.
Burton says now the only place where you'll find ash trays and cigarette butts is outdoors in the beer garden.
The talk of Burton's quick change made it's all the way to the governor's office, which chose to feature Burton in a statewide ad campaign touting the success of the Smoke-free Illinois Act and Burton's growing success.
"I said well yeah, that's true," Burton said. "Who told you? Boy I got a bug!"
Looking back a year ago, the Smoke-free Illinois Act changed his business for the better. Joe Burton credits the success of Burton's Tap to his loyal customer base, including smokers who continue to stop by even in the winter braving chilly temperatures in the beer garden.
