Nebraska passes sweeping smoking ban

LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The Nebraska Legislature Friday passed a ban on smoking in all public buildings and workplaces statewide, including bars and restaurants.

The measure was sent to Gov. Dave Heineman on a 34-14 vote after a filibuster by the bill's opponents was cut off.

The Omaha World-Herald said Heineman planned to carefully review the ban, which would take effect June 1, 2009, before committing to signing it.

Proponents of the ban cheered it as a major health benefit. Opponents raised questions about the reach of government and the effect the ban could have on businesses, such as bars.

The ban makes exceptions for saloons that don't serve food; however smoking would be banned in private homes that have a licensed child-care business on the premises.

"Obviously, this is a very important issue for Nebraskans," Heineman's spokeswoman, Jen Rae Hein, told the newspaper. "On the other hand, how much does government dictate to one what they do?"