Gov. Jennifer Granholm is soon expected to sign a bill that will make Michigan the 38th state to enact a smoking ban.

The much-discussed smoking ban passed in both the state Senate and the House of Representatives on Dec. 10, and if signed by Granholm, would take effect May 1, 2010.

The bill prohibits smoking in all bars, restaurants and work places, with the exception cigar bars, tobacco specialty stores, home offices and Detroit’s three casinos.

Legislators included the exemption for casinos so Detroit casinos would not have to compete with tribal casinos, which do not have to follow state law.

Though the bill has yet to reach Granholm’s desk, Megan Brown, the governor’s press secretary, told The Michigan Daily that the governor will sign it once it does.

Brown said that the governor supports the bill because it will make Michigan a healthier state.

“This is great news for Michigan,” Brown said. “This is truly a gift for our next generation and this is all part of our effort toward building healthier communities for everyone in Michigan, for families and kids and making it a cleaner, healthier place.”

In addition to the general health benefits for the state, State Rep. Joan Bauer (D–Lansing) noted the importance of the ban in ensuring employee safety, especially for those who inhale secondhand smoke on a daily basis because they work in establishments that currently allow smoking.

“We are especially concerned about the people who have to make a choice between their health and making a living in terms of jobs,” Bauer said. “And so this really is a bill first and foremost to protect worker safety, and all Michigan workplaces should be safe and healthy.”

State Sen. Liz Brater (D–Ann Arbor) said that despite concerns the ban could harm Michigan’s already ailing economy, she thinks the state could model itself after others that have already implemented the ban.

“Many other jurisdictions — including the state of New York, the city of Rome — all are very successful cosmopolitan areas that have adopted this ban without having an adverse economic effect,” Brater said.

Many Ann Arbor bars and restaurants interviewed over the past couple days agreed, saying that they think the ban will not be very detrimental to their businesses. While many said they expect to see a slight drop in revenue at first, they predict that after a while business will return as usual.

Carmen Fernando, general manager at Ashley’s Bar and Grill, said she thinks the smoking ban could actually have a positive impact on her establishment.

“I don’t think that the fact that there’s not going to be any smoking in bars and restaurants is going to keep people from going out,” Fernando said. “In fact, there have been some people who may not have come here before who may now be going out more to bars and restaurants in the area because there is no smoking.”

Anna Kurtz, night manager at Café Habana, a Cuban-themed restaurant on East Washington Street, also said she feels the ban won’t do much to hurt the restaurant.

“I don’t think it will be too detrimental. I think when most people come out to eat they don’t really want smoke floating around anyway,” Kurtz said.

Conor O’Neills Irish Pub Night Manager Eric Bodley said he is looking forward to the ban. He said not having smoke in the restaurant will improve the quality of health for himself and his coworkers.

“I can’t wait for it. Ever since I’ve heard they’ve been putting the bill through I’ve been excited about it,” Bodley said. “The day after I work in the morning I feel like I smoked a pack of cigarettes myself and I don’t even smoke.”

Despite the positive responses from various legislators and some Ann Arbor businesses, other state legislators have opposed the ban, arguing the ban gives the government too much control over business.