Protest Of State Smoking Ban Planned Tonight

Nearly 500 bar and restaurant owners in Michigan are expected to take part in a New Year's Eve protest of the state's smoking ban. 

Organizers say the message to state lawmakers is to butt out.
  
Leaders of the protest organized by Bloomfield Hills-based Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan are not saying which bars will participate, but a Facebook post says bars in all parts of Michigan will take part. 

The protesters won't prevent people from lighting up after 9 p.m. Friday.

Steve Mace, who leads the organization, says 60 percent of the businesses owners who have contacted him indicate that since the ban took effect May 1 "they're barely able to survive."
    
The group's message says they are "hopeful the pro-ban folks do their part to. Just as we've hoped they would all along. Call the DCH hotlines, file complaints. 

Flood the 45 county and district health departments. It will be the greatest holiday gift to bar owners from the pro-ban lobby. The gift of showing the public how this ban is enforced (or not enforced) 45 different ways."
 
The ban prohibits smoking in workplaces, public buildings, bars and restaurants. Businesses found in violation face fines up to $500.  People who are smoking in the bars or restaurants cannot be fined. 
The Associated Press contributed to this report.