The Iowa House of Representatives has passed a statewide smoking ban that includes a loophole exempting bars and restaurants with liquor licenses, setting up a battle with the state Senate, which has passed a more comprehensive ban, the Associated Press reported March 12.

The House had previously passed a stronger ban that only included an exemption for casinos. The last-minute change was the result of lobbying by the hospitality industry, observers said. "I think bar owners won out today," said Rep. Janet Petersen. "I think emotions voted today instead of public health."

The measure passed by the House actually weakens current Iowa law, added Petersen, because it removes a requirement for larger restaurants to establish a designated nonsmoking section. The House measure leaves that decision to individual bar and restaurant owners. "This actually takes us backwards," she said. "We lost a battle. Hopefully level heads will prevail."

The Senate bill is much tougher; in fact, it doesn't even exempt casinos. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal didn't say when negotiations would begin with the House over the bill, but said, "It's safe to say that what they passed will not become law."