It has been reported that owners of Michigan bowling alleys say the 6-week-old ban on smoking has hurt business at the bar.

Nancy McClain, owner of Belmar Lanes in Lincoln Park, told the Detroit Free Press, "Bowling, smoking and drinking go together."

Owners like McClain have said that in the good old days a few weeks ago, bowlers would hang out in the bar for a drink and a cigarette once they were finished playing. But they remain optimistic, predicting more families will start showing up soon because of the absence of second-hand smoke.

It was further reported that Michigan leads the country in the number of bowlers certified by the United States Bowling Association, making the sport popular and big business. Many of those bowlers still smoke and some owners of bowling centers say about half their customers light up.

The Free Press reported on Saturday that owners worry about the coming winter, when smokers who want to dash outside for a quick cigarette will have to deal with snow and ice. Jennifer Edenburn, manager of the bowling alley at the Fern Hill Country Club, has already ordered covers smokers can put on to protect their bowling shoes. (With Inputs from Agencies)