Although state lawmakers will ultimately weigh the proposed statewide smoking ban in all public places, lobbying groups from both sides have readied arms in full force to sway its future. In reaction to Senate President Fred Risser, D-Madison, publicly introducing the statewide ban bill, the Wisconsin Tavern League urged its membership Tuesday to distribute petitions opposing it. On its website, the Tavern League identifies bill sponsors and also encourages members to protest the bill to their state representatives. The Tavern League has even created a smoking blog, which not only updates visitors on the bill, but also proposed local smoking bans. "The other side is working very hard, going office to office and making contacts with their legislators to support … [the] statewide smoking ban bill," one piece of online literature said. "We must do the same." Lobby groups advocating the smoking ban include a variety of large health and medical organizations and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. During the last legislative session, hours reportedly spent lobbying smoking ban legislation in Wisconsin vastly exceeded hours spent by the Tavern League opposing it, according to State Ethics Board reports. The Tavern League has previously stated its support for the smoking ban, provided an exemption for all taverns and bars is included. In its current draft, the bill would not override local smoking ordinances such as the ban in the city of Madison. The Restaurant Association has clashed with the Tavern League and said it will only support a complete statewide smoking ban on all public places, which Risser has proposed in "practically every session" for more than 20 years. Risser said he proposed this year's bill mainly for health reasons, but he added that it could also help the economy by saving millions in health-care costs. "It's also good for business," Risser said. "It opens up doors to many people that would otherwise stay away." However, the Tavern League and local bar owners have argued smoking bans only hurt business by driving away customers who want to smoke. Opponents also say the market should drive private business policies, not government. Although remaining "cautiously optimistic," Risser called the complete ban "inevitable," pointing to similar efforts in Minnesota, Illinois and other states across the country.