By Marc Levy | The Associated Press
5:14 PM EDT, June 10, 2008
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HARRISBURG - The state Senate has approved a compromise bill to outlaw smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in Pennsylvania. The Senate voted 41-9 this afternoon, sending the bill to Gov. Ed Rendell to be signed into law.
The bill was stalled for a year before the House approved it last week.
Rendell has advocated a smoking ban as a way to reduce health care costs, and plans to sign the bill.
It would take effect 90 days after being signed into law, banning cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking in restaurants, office buildings, chools, sports arenas, theaters and bus and train stations.
A dozen exemptions would ensure that smoking can continue at some bars and taverns, portions of casino floors, private clubs and elsewhere.
More than 30 other states have approved some type of statewide smoking ban
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/ap-smoke-0611cn,0,3673354.story
