PITTSBURGH -- The Allegheny County Council voted to pass a smoking ban in public places, including bars and restaurants.

The ban passed 14-1 on Tuesday night, but with significant amendments.

Nonprofit organizations that wish to hold fundraisers can receive a waiver on the ban up to 12 times a year if they meet certain requirements.

Smoking will not be allowed anywhere on hospital property, instead of a ban just inside the hospital.

Exempt from the ban are free-standing city cigar bars.

The ban will likely be challenged on constitutional grounds in the upcoming months.

A similar smoking ban in Philadelphia went into effect on Monday, and Wheeling, W.Va., has had such a ban for more than a year.

The ban only awaits the signature of County Chief Executive Dan Onorato to become law.

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