Like it or not, your days to smoke in South Bend bars and clubs are numbered. Starting the day after the New Year - January 2, 2017 - you'll have to step outside if you want to light up.

The smoking ban went under consideration three times and has been years in the works. In 2014 the Smoke Free Air ordinance was proposed and later defeated. It's been nothing short of a sore subject since then.

Division only intensified when the ordinance was re-introduced in March of this year. Despite strong opposition and heated debates, support succeeded with the city's Common Council passing the smoking ban 6-3.

"My stance has been against it from the beginning," said Rick Ruszkowski, owner, Finnies Next Door.

"March 29th, I don't think I'll forget the date...it was a very good day for me that this ordinance passed," said Karl Nichols, executive director, Community Wellness Partners.

With less than seven days until the ban goes into effect, the issue remains divided.

In the opposing camp are business owners like Rick Ruszkowski of Finnies Next Door.

"I'm the one that's invested, I'm the one that is bringing the business downtown...I'm the one taking all the chances, yet outsiders can dictate how I run my business," said Ruszkowski.

He says if the ban does not end up hurting his business, he still feels it should have been up to him to decide.

"So this law was passed...what if it doesn't work? Are businesses going to fail? Is that the chance we're willing to take when we're trying to build the economy...build the downtown? It puts us even further behind another eight ball we have to overcome," said Ruszkowski.

A supporter of the Smoke Free Air ordinance, Karl Nichols says this is a chance to change with the times.

"South Bend was the largest city in Indiana to go smoke free last. Other surrounding communities have across the state," said Nichols.

Nichols also says the ban will create healthier workspaces for employees and patrons alike.

"I think when you've invested your own dollars, you are very concerned about how that effect is going to change you, but really it's just a tapered effect. Not only are you going to see healthier workers and healthier business, but healthier families bloom from this," said Nichols.

Ruszkowski is standing firm.

"It's even crossed my mind to say whether I want to follow it or not," said Ruszkowski.

Smokers for or against the ban, be ready to bundle up and head outdoors, as you'll start to see "No More Smoking" signs pop up at bars, clubs and restaurants citywide.

Under the new law, a person must be fifteen feet from any entrance, open window or ventilation system to smoke.

The clean air ordinance applies to any public business in South Bend.

It also bans the use of E-cigarettes or vape pens indoors, and offers protection from hookah and marijuana smoke.

Violating the ban comes with a hefty price tag for business owners. The first offense comes with a written warning. With the second, a $200-dollar fine; this doubles on the third and fourth offense.

Any violation after the fourth will cost business owners $1,500 per offense.