On Thursday, many Montana bars and casinos will be different places.

That's when the final phase of the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act begins, making it illegal to smoke inside bars. Other public places already have been covered by the smoking ban, but it was delayed for bars and casinos.

For Tom Ridings, who with his wife owns Deerlick Saloon in Martin City, the ban could mean a major drop in business.

"Ninety to 95 percent of people who come into the bar smoke," said Ridings, who estimates that the effects of the ban will last for a few weeks to a month while patrons adjust.

For Lori Bryden, bar and casino manager at the Kalispell VFW Lounge, the ban goes beyond affecting individual smokers.

"It would be sad if we lose money that would go into the community," Bryden said. "There's a lot of good things we do that need the revenue of the bar."

The VFW makes contributions to the Montana Veterans Home, sends packages to soldiers serving overseas, and provides flags for Main Street.

"We are trying to figure out a way to protect the smokers who go outside to smoke," said Bryden, who is a smoker herself. She said the VFW doesn't have room to build on a smoker's shelter.

Bryden said she also doesn't appreciate being told what to do - nor do many other smokers.

However, the VFW is painting the interior to make sure the smoke smell is gone, and Bryden said she thinks the outcry will pass.

"In Helena, it was a bummer for a while, but they got over it," she said. "In Missoula, they got over it."

Not all local proprietors, however, are concerned about the ban.

At The Palace bar in Whitefish, owner Robert Marcuvitz thinks the ban will bring in more customers than before who previously avoided the establishment. He thinks bar patrons will be better able to admire the decor, without all the smoke.

"My customers are looking forward to [the smoking ban]," Marcuvitz said. "I am and my employees are. There's a few people that will have to change their habits, but it will be good for everybody. Some people are timing it with trying to quit [smoking]. We're trying to help with that."

Reporter K.J. Hascall may be reached at 758-4439 or by e-mail at kjhascall@dailyinterlake.com