Illinois governor likely to sign smoke ban

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 2 (UPI) -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he will most likely sign legislation banning smoking in public places.

The measure, which was overwhelmingly approved Tuesday by the Illinois House, will eliminate a patchwork of local locals across Illinois, the Chicago Tribune said.

The newspaper said Illinois would be the 19th state to impose a statewide public smoking ban.

The legislation would make smoking illegal in all public buildings, government vehicles and most businesses -- including bars and restaurants.

Opponents say the smoking ban will destroy already troubled small businesses, especially "mom-and-pop bars" that border other states with more lenient smoking rules, the newspaper said.