The Colorado legislature has approved a ban on most public smoking, and Gov. Bill Owens says he will sign the measure into law, the Denver Post reported March 18.

The final bill approved 38-24 by the state House would prohibit smoking in all indoor public spaces except casinos, small businesses, smoke shops, family farms, cigar bars, and the smoking lounge at Denver International Airport. In promising to sign the bill, Owens cited a consensus on the issue among state residents.

Supporters like House Minority Leader Mike May said the bill was "a great step forward. It's good for our economy, it's good for the workers, and it's good for Colorado. (People) can go and sit down to enjoy a sports bar without smoke in their face."

But May's fellow Republican, Rep. Ken Lundberg, called the measure offensive and an example of legislative "busybody-ness."