“We have designated an area in the back outside for if anyone has to smoke,” said Ricka Tien, manager of Spartan Hall of Fame Cafe, 1601 W. Lake Lansing Road.

Tien said the restaurant won’t undergo major changes. Because the restaurant already has a designated smoking section inside, they will just expand the prohibition of smoking throughout the building, he said.

Andy Deloney, vice president of public affairs at the Michigan Restaurant Association, said many restaurants have contacted the association to clarify portions of the law specifically whether it applies to outdoor patios and who will be enforcing the law.

“What we know from all the questions and concerns that we have heard is that (restaurants) want to be in compliance (with the law),” Deloney said. “But there are so many gray areas ­— lots of myths and misconceptions that need clarifying.”

The law establishes any area where patrons receive a service or employees work including outdoor patios or rooftops must be smoke-free.

Once the law is in effect, Ingham County Health Department will be responsible for enforcing the law in East Lansing, said Marcus Cheatham, public information officer for the Ingham County Health Department.

“There is a certain amount of relief among employers and restaurants because this is once and for all decided,” he said.

The department already enforces other tobacco laws and licensing regulations in Ingham County. These laws typically are enforced with assistance from community complaints and inspections, Cheatham said.

Establishments open late on the evening of April 30 are not required to eliminate ashtrays until the new business day on May 1, Cheatham said.

“We assume everybody knows about the fact that it is changing on May 1,” said Joe Krautkramer, manager of Beggar’s Banquet, 218 Abbot Road. “One day it’s legal, one day it’s not. Going from one to the next is an abrupt change for customers, but it’s the law.”

Harrison Roadhouse, 720 Michigan Ave., became a smoke-free restaurant in January 2009, and in compliance with the new law, the Harrison Roadhouse Pub also will become smoke free.

Manager of Harrison Roadhouse Courtney Antonelli said because of the restaurant’s experience with going smoke free, they think it will be a smooth transition.

“(We will) remove ashtrays and enforce the policy,” she said. “Until then, we are going to let people enjoy the cigarettes in the building.”