Indiana House backs break for bars on smoking ban

The Indiana House has added an 18-month exemption for bars to a bill calling for a broad statewide smoking ban in a move that sponsors hope will help it win passage in the Legislature.

The House approved the bar exemption Friday in a voice vote. House members also added a broader exemption for casinos by allowing smoking anywhere on their property rather than just on gambling floors as originally proposed.

Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary for years has pushed for a statewide smoking ban. He says the 18-month bar exemption is a good compromise to the ban that would prohibit smoking at nearly all other public places and businesses.

The House is expected to vote next week on whether to approve the bill and send it to the Senate.