DENVER -- The state House gave tentative approval to a statewide smoking ban on Friday after granting exceptions to casinos, cigar bars and the smoking lounge at Denver International Airport.

A parade of businesses from pool halls to casinos to taverns had sought exemptions, but the bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike May, pleaded with lawmakers not to grant them.

May, R-Parker, said businesses in communities that have local smoking bans are losing customers to competitors that are not covered by a ban.

Some lawmakers sought an exemption for taverns, saying a smoking ban would hurt "mom-and-pop" bars across Colorado that are forced by the state to serve food as a condition of their liquor licenses.

May said he would kill the bill if that exemption passed because it would create a loophole for other businesses, including restaurants.

"The claim it will hurt business is just so much smoke," May said.

Rep. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood, initially persuaded the House to remove an exemption for casinos, saying 8,000 workers in that industry also deserve protection, but lawmakers restored the exemption on a 34-27 vote.

Rep. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, said casinos already have an option to ban smoking.

"Nobody forces anybody to work in these places," Cadman said.

May said he understands the argument that casinos are "resort destinations" and they have to compete with other casinos that allow smoking, though he would prefer they not be exempt.

Lawmakers rejected amendments to exempt lodges for military veterans and businesses that were forced to install air cleaners by local governments.

They also refused to exempt actors, despite a plea from Rep. Paul Weismann, D-Louisville, who told his colleagues, "'Casablanca' wouldn't be 'Casablanca' without smoke rising from the piano."

The bill already has been amended to exempt people living in publicly owned housing to allow people to smoke in their residences.

A similar proposal was killed last spring in the Senate when Republicans lined up against it on grounds it was antibusiness and a few Democrats joined them to block the proposal.

The bill has a third reading in the house on Monday but it has passed its biggest hurdle.

After the third reading, the bill will then go to the Senate.

Supporters say if the measure doesn't get through the Legislature, they'll get it on the November ballot so voters can decide.

Watch today at 5 p.m. where you'll hear from the American Cancer Society and what they think of the bill.