Indiana smoking ban signed into law

INDIANAPOLIS, March 20 (UPI) -- Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed a statewide smoking ban, barring smoking in certain establishments, businesses and institutions, officials say.

The ban, which goes into effect July 1, covers nursing facilities, mental health facilities and restaurants. However, bars, casinos, private clubs and fraternal organizations are exempt. Some exempt businesses have, however, elected to be smoke free of their own accord, the Indianapolis Star reported.

After signing it into law Monday, Daniels called the smoking ban "a huge step forward."