MIDDLETON, Wis. -- Many local bars were packed with fans watching the NCAA basketball championship on Monday night, but one community that has become a safe haven for Madison smokers could soon change.

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Middleton currently has a smoking ban in the works that could affect bars and restaurants in Greenway Station, downtown Middleton and other popular night spots, WISC-TV reported.

Last week, the Middleton City Council voted to take the next step in a smoking ban by referring the resolution to the city attorney for review.

Some Middleton bar owners are speaking out against the ban. Most agree that a ban is inevitable, but said that a statewide smoking ban would be fairer.

James Moose Werner, the owner of the Club Tavern, said that since Madison's smoking ban went into effect, the bar's business has increased slightly. Werner said under a ban, his bar would end up like many Madison bars where patrons go elsewhere or simply head home.

"They have to have the inconvenience of walking outside," said Werner. "How would you like to walk outside to have a cigarette and Brett Favre throws a touchdown? Granted, Brett's not around anymore -- just like our freedom probably won't either."

Werner said his alcohol distributor has noticed the trend in Madison's non-smoking bars. He said he's delivering less alcohol there and more to local liquor stores.

Supporters of Middleton's ban said they too would rather see a statewide ordinance but realize that won't happen anytime soon, WISC-TV reported.

Smoke-Free Wisconsin has pledged to go community to community to help make Wisconsin entirely smoke free.