MADISON, Wis. -- Even though Madison's smoking ban has been law since last week, it's on the city council's agenda tonight.

The smoking ban outlaws smoking in all restaurants and bars. ( See full ordinance )

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Alders Paul Skidmore and Jed Sanborn, along with Cindy Thomas and Judy Compton, are backing a smoking ban repeal. Some alders told News 3 it's a waste of time, but some tavern owners are grateful for the fight.

The holiday weekend was the first test of the smoking ban. Dave Wiganowsky, who owns Wiggie's bar on Aberg Avenue, said he had half the business he would typical have on a holiday Friday.

"(It's a) disaster," Wiganowsky said. "We'll probably be lucky if we've got 20 percent of the crowd we normally have in here."

Wiganowsky also had to deal with belligerent customers.

"Some of the bartenders are taking verbal abuse," he said. "One guy came in lit a cigarette. We told him he had to put it out. He flipped the bird, walked out the door, and didn't finish paying for what he ordered."

Janie Capito has a more positive outlook on how the ban will affect her businesses, Mickey's and Lazy Jane's Café, both on Williamson Street. "I have a feeling we may have more customers coming," she said.

Wiganowsky said he's glad the smoking ban is getting a second look. "It was an uphill battle the last time and obviously there's a few new people on there," he said.

Alder Robbie Webber argues it's a waste of time.

"I'm not even sure why we're rehashing this again," Webber said. "The original smoking ban passed 15 to 5."

Skidmore said the smoking ban repeal is about freedom of choice for bars and places, such as Essenhaus that built ventilation systems.

"Just because the votes may not be there, that doesn't mean its not the right thing to do," Skidmore said.

Skidmore believes that in six months to a year, it will be more apparent if the ban has hurt businesses or forced them to close. Skidmore also said the repeal is timely because it could put pressure on the less-strict statewide ban currently working its way through the Legislature.

News 3 found some bar hoppers out over the weekend who haven't been going out because they didn't like the smoke.

"There have been times before when friends have said, 'Do you want to come out and see this person perform?' And they say, 'Is it worth going out?' But now I'd definitely be more inclined," said Mark Wegner.

Even Diana Ditsch, who is six months pregnant and previously worried going out in smoky bars would be unhealthy for her pregnancy, was out in the city's new smoke-free nightlife.

"We still support their business, and we want them to have that great atmosphere, and we can have that without smoking," Ditsch said.

Monona resident Jeff Bakken said it's been five years since he's gone out in Madison to Genna's, which he "absolutely loves."

Bartenders at Genna's said that besides one person who accidentally walked in with a cigarette, everyone has observed the new rules and smoked on the patio outside.

Wiganowsky said he's not optimistic.

"I'm not going to refinance the bar in hopes that all these quote 'non-smokers' will come in and lavish me with 10 times the business I'm supposed to have," he said.

If you spot a bar that's allowing smoking, health officials ask you to report the violation by calling (608) 266-4821.