HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The state Senate approved a compromise bill late Tuesday to outlaw smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in Pennsylvania. The Senate voted 41-9, sending the bill to Gov. Ed Rendell to be signed into law.

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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, schools, 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.

"The passage of this smoking ban is long overdue in Pennsylvania," Sen. Jay Costa said in a statement. "While I am still hopeful we can improve on this measure, I think it is important to note that today, we have taken a significant step towards protecting public health."

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For many establishments, like Mitchell's Restaurant and Bar in downtown Pittsburgh, more than 20 percent of their annual profit comes from food. Jim Mitchell, owner of Mitchell’s, said the smoking ban will hurt business.

"All I've ever asked for was a level playing field, but what this Legislature has done is said that smoking is unhealthy in my establishment," he said. "But it's not unhealthy in casinos, clubs and small restaurants, and it just shows that public health takes a back seat to money."

Allegheny County's smoking ban, passed last year, had fewer exemptions, but the local ban was stopped after a court battle involving Mitchell.

County Executive Dan Onorato said any smoking ban is a good start, and because this ban would take effect statewide, he said it's more fair.

"It's a step forward and it's definitely not perfect. It's not the bill that I would want, but it is a bill and there are a lot of good things in that bill, and there are a lot of health issues in that bill, and there will be smoke-free areas now, and that's positive," Onorato said.

Costa said he would soon introduce legislation that would allow Allegheny County and Scranton to re-enact their tougher smoking bans. He added that Senate Republican leaders assured him the bill would be seriously considered.

"The governor is gratified by the Senate action and would like the Allegheny County delegation to know that he will enthusiastically support legislation that will allow Allegheny County to pass a smoking ban of its own," said Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo.

Many smokers with whom Action News spoke said they don't like the ban, but they know they will have to adjust.

"I'm going to have to go outside and smoke a cigarette and come back in," said Bob Bacco. "I do that at home because my wife doesn't smoke. I go outside on the porch and then come back in the house."

More than 30 other states have approved some type of statewide smoking ban.

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