Colorado lawmakers agree that smoking should be banned in many indoor spaces, but are split over whether the bars should be subject to the ban, the Associated Press reported March 13.

The state House's version of the legislation says that bars should be included under the indoor-smoking ban, but the Senate bill says bars that get less than 25 percent of their sales from food should be exempt. Both health groups and the Colorado Restaurant Association say that bars must be included; the latter claim that exempting some bars could hurt restaurants that have lounges but would be subject to the ban.

"That's the break it or make it deal," said lobbyist Rex Wilmouth of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group.

Other exemptions in the bills include casinos, bingo halls, racetracks, cigar bars, and the smoking lounge at Denver International Airport. The Senate version exempts private clubs that collect dues and have membership lists, but critics say that loophole is ripe for abuse.

Ban advocates say they will seek a ballot initiative this fall if lawmakers can't come up with a compromise.