OLYMPIA, Wash. – A local bar that has done its best to fight the state's smoking ban has come up with a new way to skirt the law.

Frankie's Sports Bar in Olympia just started a new "Members Only" club that is cigarette-friendly.

KING

More than 250 people joined the private smoking club in the first 6 hours.

The owner of the pub admits this private smoking club is a work in progress. He's been trying to sidestep the smoking ban ever since it was enacted and the thinks he may have found the answer.

More than 250 people joined the private FOF Club – Friends of Frank – in the first 6 hours.

The membership fee is $20.

"Not a big deal. Private club sounds good to me," said patron Denise Nissley.

The owner, Frank Schnarr, has been ignoring the smoking ban for the last three years.

"I went with the law for 3 or 4 months and I lost about 80 percent of my business," he said.

Facing contempt charges, Schnarr says today in court the judge gave him some advice.

"If I had a private club that was not open to the public that was a membership he would accept that," he said. "When he said that, that was the best answer I ever got."

The upstairs club has its own ventilation system and is more than 25 feet from the public, nonsmoking bar downstairs. No one there seems to be huffing about the puffing, and some members of the newly founded club don't even smoke.

"I don't mind supporting Frankie, and I don't like the fact that the state steps in and tells business owners what they can and can't do," said patron William Keeney.

Some showed their support in neon green T-shirts.

The employees are members too.

"We're behind him whether I'm wearing that green shirt or not," said employee Laurie Zinser.

Will it hold up in court? We'll have to wait and see.

Prosecutors say they plan to appeal Friday's ruling.