MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Freedom to Breath Act went into effect five years ago on Monday, banning smoking in restaurants, bars and public work places.

When the ban was first passed, there was opposition from some area businesses who feared they would lose customers.

But Mike Sheldon, with Clear Way Minnesota, says that’s changed.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Susie Jones Reports

“It’s been overwhelmingly popular. Nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans support the law, and 86 percent say it makes bars and restaurants more healthy for employees,” he said.

Sheldon added that Clear Way Minnesota has also seen an increase in the number of people quitting smoking because of the ban.