Minnesota would ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other establishments under a bill approved by the Legislature.

May 12, 2007 - Minnesota would ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other establishments under a bill approved by the Legislature.The bill passed the state House by an 81-48 vote early Saturday, hours after the state Senate approved it 43-21. It now heads to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has said he will sign it. Minnesota would become the 20th state to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants. Violations would carry fines of up to $300 for smokers and business owners who allow smoking. The ban would start Oct. 1, 2007. Supporters of the bill hailed its passage as a win for public health. Minnesota broke ground nationally in 1975 with the Clean Indoor Air Act, which limited smoking to designated areas in public places and at public meetings. (Minnesota Lawmakers Pass Smoking Ban by Martiga Lohn, apnews)