Seven months after Michigan's comprehensive workplace smoking ban took effect, roughly 350 bars, restaurants and other businesses across the state to participate in a mass act of civil disobedience by allowing patrons to smoke on New Year's Eve, according to Steve Mace of Berkley.

Mace, spokesman for the Bloomfield-Hills based Protect Privacy Rights in Michigan non-profit organization, tells the Oakland Press participating businesses will post signs on their door saying "private businesses" or "smoking allowed."

Mace made headlines earlier this year when he and a group of fellow veterans

calling on state lawmakers to exempt private veterans clubs from the ban. And in

published in yesterday's Detroit News, he defended

which would allow businesses to maintain a "legal smoking room."

State health officials

they do not plan to monitor Friday's protest but will investigate complaints. Bars that violate the ban risk a $100 fine for the first offense and a $500 fine for subsequent violations.

Early data and research on the ban has produced conflicting results.

The Michigan Department of Community health released a report in November suggesting that

of Michigan residents say they've dined out as often or more often since the ban took effect, and the state Department of Treasury in December reported

collected at bars, clubs and restaurants.

But the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association in November reported

of alcohol, food and lottery for businesses in the hospitality industry between May and July compared to the previous year.

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for more information on the New Years Eve demonstration and check out the

.