The organization’s Web site also says it is common for bans to cut league participation by 10 to 20 percent in the first year. Those numbers generally return to normal in years two through four.

But in the meantime, to make up for the league losses, the Hanks are turning to open bowling.

“We are going to run more open bowling specials,” Natalie Hanks said. “Things are a little slow right now, but, hopefully, they will pick up.”

Smokers are sympathetic to Lost Lanes’ situation.

“I think (the smoking ban) stinks. It hurts (Lost Lanes) the most. They lost a lot of teams,” said Saegertown’s Rick Rice while taking a smoke break recently at Lost Lanes. “I just go outside between games.”

Wayne Oaks of Union City agreed.

“If people want to bowl, they’re going to bowl. A lot quit, but what are they going to do? We just smoke less, that’s all. We go after the 10th frame, but it really hurts businesses,” Oaks said. “We used to come in here and the lounge was full. It definitely had an impact. We just try to go out and grab a quick one or we go without. We want to bowl.”

Lost Lanes isn’t alone as other local bowling establishments have also been affected by the “no smoking” law — but not as severely as the Cambridge Springs house.

“We’ve had a little dropoff, but not much,” said Plaza Lanes manager Michelle Pongratz. “I can’t believe bowlers have quit because they can’t smoke. They can’t go two hours without smoking. I smoke and I have to go eight-to-10 hours without smoking.”

To compensate for the losses, Plaza Lanes has formed two “fun” leagues on Friday evenings. “Both leagues are almost full,” said Pongratz.

Lakeside Lanes in Conneaut Lake has also taken a minor hit in league participation.

“We lost four teams on Friday and two teams on Wednesday,” said Lakeside Lanes co-owner Bruce Beers. “Not being allowed to smoke is the main reason, but I think there are other economy reasons, too.”

One bowler at Lakeside Lanes is trying to do both — bowl and smoke outdoors — and it’s not going over very well with the LL personnel.

“He goes outside and smokes an entire cigarette before coming back in,” said Beers. “Our league got over at 10:15 p.m., an hour past the normal ending time. If he continues to do this, we’re going to punch in gutter, gutter for him.”

Plaza Lanes owner Dean Felmlee has given his bowlers a smoking plan.