It's now smoke-free at Schuler's Restaurant and Pub in Marshall, Michigan, a mid-west landmark that got its start in 1909 when Albert Schuler gave up rolling cigars for a living, to open a lunch-counter restaurant in this city.

"We have listened to our guests and staff who would like to dine and work in a smoke free environment, while still trying to respect the wishes of patrons who want to smoke. It was no longer possible for us to have it both ways," said Hans Schuler, president and CEO of the restaurant.

While the Michigan Restaurant Association generally opposes legislation that makes every restaurant comply with a non-smoking ban, they do believe that individual establishments should be able to make their own decision. "Schuler's has decided to ban tobacco throughout the restaurant," Schuler reiterated. "We respect a smoker's right to make his or her own decision, but the time has come for us to change."

"It's important to be a leader when it comes to the health of our guests and employees. Our staff felt that this was something we should do now," Schuler stated.

"Schuler's has taken a bold step in going smoke-free," said Oaklawn Hospital Pulmonologist Alcides Gil-Acosta, M.D. "I commend their responsiveness to ensuring the health of patrons and employees who have been suffering from second-hand smoke, he continued. "They are the first large restaurant with a pub in Calhoun County to take the plunge and I hope more will follow their lead."

Oncologist Dr. Stephen Smiley of the Battle Creek Health Systems congratulated Schuler's upon hearing the news and shared that in his estimate, second-hand smoke is the biggest public health issue of our day. It is preventable and should be done to protect people from the dangers of cancer and other diseases.

When Schuler employees were recently notified of the change, Sue Damron, vice president and general manager, reported that they applauded warmly and enthusiastically. Several even said they would be much more willing to work in the Pub, now that it was smoke free.

"Here's the best part," said server Wes Schroeder. I won't have to go home with my clothes smelling like an ashtray to my wife and little kids and my throat raw. I won't be coughing up somebody else's smoke anymore."

Mike Schragg, Schuler's guest services manager, said the first reaction of patrons was very positive. Even those who smoke said they had a feeling it was coming, they just hoped it wouldn't be so soon.