The Minnesota House has approved a statewide smoking ban.
The ``Freedom to Breathe'' bill passed on a 85-to-45 vote after eight hours of debate.
The bill would outlaw smoking in restaurants, bars and other workplaces -- with one major exemption. Local officials could authorize ventilated smoking rooms for bars. Customers could smoke but they couldn't order food or drink because no employees would be allowed to enter.
Opposition is coming mostly from legislators for rural areas and small towns, who worry about the ban's effect on local taverns and other gathering places.
The Senate approved a stricter version last month. Its only significant exception would be for outdoor patios at bars and restaurants that would be off-limits to employees.
The debate now shifts to a House-Senate conference committee that will resolve the differences. Governor Pawlenty supports a statewide smoking ban.
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