Tobacco.org

• Doyle signs smoking ban measure  

Gov. Jim Doyle signed a smoking ban Monday, making bars, restaurants and other workplaces smoke-free starting next summer.

"It's time for every person in Wisconsin to breathe freely at restaurants, taverns, and workplaces across the state," Doyle said in a statement. "A smoke-free Wisconsin will save money in health care costs, improve public health and save lives."

Doyle signed the bill at Cempazuchi, 1205 E. Brady St., Milwaukee. He's also planning signing ceremonies later Monday at Titletown Brewing Co. in Green Bay and the state Capitol in Madison.

A ban has been a top priority of Doyle's, but lawmakers were unable to reach a deal in the last two-year legislative session. The Democrat-controlled Legislature passed a compromise last week that bans smoking in virtually all workplaces but delays the start date until July 5, 2010 - later than Doyle and other supporters wanted.

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