The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation to ban smoking in public places. Gov. Ed Rendell has said he'll sign the bill into law.

The Philadelphia Inquirer writes that the bill effectively calls for banning smoking in all public places, but it contains a lengthy list of exemptions for certain workplaces and entertainment venues.

Where will smoking still be allowed?

They include bars that have 20 percent or less in annual sales of food, as well as cigar bars, tobacco shops and private clubs whose officers agree to it.

Casinos would be permitted to allow smoking in up to 50 percent of their gaming halls — though Philadelphia's law prohibits its two casinos from allowing any smoking, and the legislation passed today will not change that.

Also excluded under the proposed statewide ban: private homes and other residences and vehicles — unless they are being used for child-care services — and long-term care facilities, as well as residential facilities used for drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental-health services.

Hotels would be permitted to allow smoking in up to 25 percent of their rooms.

Smoking would also be allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas at sports or recreation facilities, theaters, and other performance establishments. ...

Nearly 36 states ban smoking in public establishments.