Most indoor smoking would be prohibited under legislation approved this week by the Colorado House of Representatives, the Denver Channel reported Feb. 10.

Only casinos, cigar bars, and the smoking lounge at Denver International Airport would be exempt from the ban, despite lobbying from pool hall and tavern owners who wanted their own exemptions.

"The claim it will hurt business is just so much smoke," said bill sponsor Rep. Mike May. The casino exemption was briefly removed from the measure, but later restored by lawmakers on a 34-27 vote. "Nobody forces anybody to work in these places," said Rep. Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs) of casinos.

The Colorado Senate killed a similar measure last year, with some Democrats joining pro-business Republicans in opposition. Supporters said if the measure is defeated in the Senate again, they will seek to put it on the November ballot.