The general consensus seems to be so far, so good.

Six months into a statewide ban on smoking in public places, business owners and smokers seem to have made adjustments.

We have not witnessed a wave of bars and restaurants closing because smokers choose not to go out.

In a Thursday Courier story, Business Editor Jim Offner talked to a number of bar and restaurant owners. Most said the Smoke-free Air Act hasn't made a significant impact on their businesses.

Ivan Wieland, who operates the Screaming Eagle in Waterloo and Toad's in Cedar Falls, has seen different reactions from different clientele at the two places, but he has been happy with the new law.

"The smoking ban, I don't believe, has affected Toad's hardly at all. You've got a younger-based clientele that kind of goes with the flow and aren't so set in their ways. They're more adaptable," Wieland said.

Bruce Strom, owner of two Cedar Valley bowling alleys, has seen his customers make arrangements to deal with the smoking ban. He said some regular bowlers may have quit because they could no longer light up as they knocked down pins. But he found some new bowlers too, who came because of the lack of smoke in the air.

"So, overall it has worked out satisfactorily," Strom said.

Some businesses certainly have been adversely affected by the ban, but it seems many, even those who lobbied strongly against the ban, have adapted well.

A smoking ban has become an easier political move these days, as fewer people choose to smoke. A recent survey by the Iowa Department of Public Health showed the number of adults in Iowa who smoke dropped 22 percent since 2006.

In terms of numbers, that means about 327,000 adults smoke, down from more than 400,000 two years ago. About 14 percent of the adult population in the state claim to be smokers.

This January, the state's smoking cessation program will offer greater assistance to those wishing to quit.

Quitline Iowa normally offers a two-week supply of nicotine gum or patches as well as counseling to those wanting to quit. But through the end of this month, those who call the Quitline will be offered a four-week supply of the gum or patches.

Call the Quitline at (800) 784-8669.

Most lawmakers in the state agreed the smoking ban passed last year was not a good bill. We agree.

The casino exemption was one of those lawmaking head scratchers. What message does it send? Is the second-hand smoke at a casino somehow healthier than at the bowling alley? Is the casino business more important in this state than the neighborhood pub? Do casino employees have lesser rights to clean air than those in other businesses?

We expect lawmakers will

revisit the smoking ban this coming session.

We would prefer the casinos go smoke-free as well, but if the Legislature can't agree on that, then let all adult establishments go back to choosing whether to allow smoking.

The state seems to have adjusted well to the smoking ban. Now let's make it work better.