A measure that bans smoking in most public spaces -- but not in sidewalk cafes, casinos, private clubs, or smoke shops -- has been signed into law by Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Inc. reported Sept. 15.

The measure also exempts bars from the ban for two years if they get 90 percent or more of their revenues from alcohol sales.

"The ban extends a new invitation to people who don't smoke," said Mark Schweiker, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. "I'm hard pressed to see any tremendous negative consequences."

But bar owner Dan Cordero said the ban "is really going to hurt" until a similar measure is adopted statewide. "My customers will just drive 10 minutes down the road to a bar where they can smoke," he said.