Michigan Approves Smoking Ban

Michigan will become the 38th state to ban smoking in public places on May 1, following passage Thursday of a  prohibition by the House and Senate and a vow from Gov. Jennifer Granholm to sign the bill.  Smoking will be banned in workplaces and food service establishments, including bars, restaurants, food courts at shopping malls, cafeterias and private clubs.  The ban makes exceptions for the gaming floors at the three Detroit casinos, cigar bars, specialty tobacco shops, home offices and motor vehicles, including commercial truck.