I stopped into Fuel Café twice last week to see what it looked like -- and smelled like -- without smokers. It appeared pretty much the same, only fewer people hanging out then usual during the late-morning hours. And I do think it smelled a little fresher.

Fuel Café banned smoking on Oct. 1 after 14 years of being a very smoker-friendly café. The decision, made by co-owners Scott Johnson and Leslie Montemurro, was met with mixed reactions, but overall, it seems people are supportive.

Late this afternoon I stopped in again, and I was pleased to see that it looked very much like the usual Sunday night scene: people drinking coffee, reading books, typing on laptops -- but without smoking, smoldering ashtrays. It was a little weird at first -- but good -- to see everything so clearly and without the usual "Fuel haze" hanging in the air. Best of all, I definitely noticed less schtank on myself when I was driving home. Hooray.