Wisconsin governor to sign statewide smoking ban

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MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle will sign a statewide smoking ban into law Monday.

The governor has scheduled three signing ceremonies in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Madison during the day.

The ban would prohibit smoking in almost all workplaces across Wisconsin, including bars and restaurants. It would take effect in July 2010.

Violators would face fines of up to $250. Business owners who don’t try to stop smokers would get a warning and then a $100 fine for subsequent violations.

Local governments couldn’t pass any stricter regulations. The ban wouldn’t apply to tribal casinos, existing cigar bars or existing tobacco shops.

The state Senate and Assembly passed the measure earlier this week.

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