Within the next month, people wishing to smoke while eating will not be able to run for the border --Taco Bell is banning smoking.

Taco Bell's anti-smoking policy follows the precedent set by McDonald's and the Nittany Mall in the past month, and more restaurants may soon follow suit.

Amy Reed, assistant manager of Taco Bell, 322 W. College Ave., said as of April 1, cigarette smoking will be prohibited inside the restaurant's facilities.

"As far as I understand it, the whole chain is," she said.

Kelly Rabits, manager of Taco Bell, 100 Rolling Ridge Drive, which opened about a month and a half ago, said smoking was never allowed in the new restaurant, so it will not have to make any changes.

Smokers who enjoy fine fast-food dining still have some refuge for the time being, as there are some restaurants that allow smoking -- but those are also contemplating a change.

Jesse Gessler, assistant manager of Arby's Roast Beef Restaurant, 400 W. College Ave., said his restaurant has a smoking area but is considering banning it completely. The ban will come in either May or June, Gegler said.

Nancye Reichenbach, shift supervisor at Hardee's Restaurant, 215 S. Atherton St., which also has a smoking area, said there has been discussion about prohibiting smoking, but no definite plans have been made.

Jennifer Martz, assistant manager of Wendy's, 226 W. College Ave, said the restaurant has two smoking tables in a back corner. Although some other Wendy's are smoke free, Martz said smoking won't be completely banned unless smokers abuse the privilege.

Smokers don't have to worry about abusing privileges in another restaurant -- they have an ally in Burger King.

Bill Arampatzis, manager of Burger King, 521 University Drive, said the restaurant allows smoking and has no intention of banning it.

As for the smoking policies of other fast food establishments, Arampatzis said, "I don't care what they're doing."