PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Restaurant Association has reversed its long-held position on smoking, saying it now favors a statewide ban in restaurants and other public places.

The group is pushing for an all-inclusive smoking ban for restaurants, bars, casinos and private clubs, said association Chief Executive Officer Patrick Conway.

"It should be done on a comprehensive, statewide basis," Conway said. "In other states, certain groups have tried to have themselves unfairly carved out of legislation."

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The association changed its position out of concern for the health of employees in the restaurant business, Conway said.

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