DENVER – The House gave final approval to a statewide smoking ban Friday and sent the bill to Gov. Bill Owens, who said he will sign it.
The measure would outlaw smoking in most public buildings except casinos, cigar bars and the smoking lounge at Denver International Airport.
The House approved the measure 38-24. The Senate approved it Thursday.
Owens said he still believes the decision should be left to cities and counties, but a statewide smoking ban should eliminate the need for a ballot measure in November.
"Colorado is probably behind it. I think it's probably time to put this issue aside," he said.
Colorado would be the 13th state to enact such a ban. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman signed that state's anti-smoking legislation Thursday.
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