Iowa Governor Chet Culver Tuesday signed into law a ban on indoor smoking in public places, with two exceptions.

Thousands of bars, restaurants and workplaces will be smoke-free starting July 1st, when the ban takes effect.

Culver signed the bill during a ceremony in the Rotunda of the Statehouse, surrounded by hundreds of anti-smoking activists.

Culver said there are compelling arguments against the ban, but "plain and simple, this bill will save lives."

Gambling areas of casinos and the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown are not required to abide by the law. Bars and restaurants in casinos are covered by the ban.

Iowa is the 28th state to enact some form of ban on indoor smoking.

Iowa's ban follows last year's $1 a pack increase in the state's cigarette tax.