The Wisconsin Senate and Assembly on Wednesday approved a statewide smoking ban that would become come into effect July of 2010.  The state Senate approved the ban by a vote of 25-8 and later that evening the Assembly passed it on a 61-38 vote. This bill allows outdoor smoking and supercedes any local ordinances. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.  Several lawmakers praised the bill as a significant bipartisan effort.

Polls have indicated majority support for a smoking ban by the people of Wisconsin.  Even some bar owners supported the ban.  Of course the bill was not without its opponents, but once it goes into effect many believe it will be no big deal.