INDIANAPOLIS -- Smoking is no longer a laughing matter at Indianapolis' Crackers Comedy Clubs, where the practice has been outlawed.

The Broad Ripple and downtown venues officially went smoke-free this weekend, following in the footsteps of four other entertainment sites to take the step this summer, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

Crackers started offering some non-smoking performances eight years ago, when some comedians first asked for the option.

"Actually, that's how I first started having smoke-free events. Certain comedians would ask for the environment to be smoke-free," said owner Ruth Ann Herber-Bunting.

But the decision to ban smoking at all events came out of concern for employees.

"It's a lot of smoke. It's tons, actually," said server De-Andre Jackson.

Herber-Bunting said she doesn't think the move will hurt businesses at the club. This weekend's shows are nearly sold out.

Some customers said they'll come to laugh more often now that the venues are smoke-free.

"I totally think it's a health issue. I think that's really important to give people the freedom to be able to come out anytime and enjoy a show, and not go home reeking of the smell," said Susan Kreig.

The Jazz Kitchen in Broad Ripple, Greg's Bar and Talbott Street Nightclub downtown and Morty's Comedy Joint on 96th Street all went smoke-free earlier this summer.