Indiana's first statewide smoking restrictions have been signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
The governor signed the smoking ban bill and other legislation during a ceremony Monday at his Statehouse office.
The smoking ban proposal narrowly cleared the state Senate this month after compromises expanding the number of exemptions were added to the bill over the objections of health advocates.
Daniels says that although everyone might not have been happy with the bill, it was best to get something approved while lawmakers had the "energy" to handle the issue.
The ban that is to take effect in July will still give people plenty of places to light up as it exempts Indiana's bars, casinos, retail tobacco shops and private clubs, such as veterans and fraternal organizations.
