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The smoke in New Mexico bars and restaurants will soon fade into oblivion under a statewide smoking ban signed this morning by Gov. Bill Richardson.

The governor called the measure "good public health policy" and "the right thing to do."

"More importantly, the advantages of a law like this dramatically reducing exposure to secondhand smoke . . . far outweigh any potential administrative problems," Richardson said.

Rep. Al Park, an Albuquerque Democrat, appeared almost overwhelmed at the bill-signing ceremony this morning.

"This is something that's actually going to save lives," he said.

Richardson, who occasionally smokes cigars, said he decided late last night to support the bill.

"Each year, more than 53,000 die in the United States as a result of this exposure. Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. . . . In my mind it doesn't make any sense to continue to allow smoking in bars and restaurants," he said.

The measure prohibits smoking in all workplaces across the state, including bars and restaurants. It takes effect June 15. Individuals violating the ban would face a $100 fine for a first violation.

Members of the House unanimously passed the measure, and senators agreed to it on a 27-9 vote.

Cheryl Ferguson of New Mexicans Concerned About Tobacco applauded the bill.

"This is wonderful for New Mexico; it's the best public health measure that could be done."

Ferguson said about 1,500 calls were made to the Governor's Office on the issue.

"There was a huge outpouring of support," she said.

"So obviously, there's just no opposition. It's a bipartisan issue and the right thing to do for the state."

The bill is in honor of former first lady Dee Johnson, who worked during her time in the Roundhouse to ban smoking in the state Capitol.

Richardson, a second-term Democrat who is running for president, said he hadn't received pressure from tobacco lobbyists on the measure.

During his campaigns in 2002 and 2006, Richardson received at least $50,000 from tobacco companies and lobbyists for tobacco companies, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics (followthemoney.org), which tracks campaign contributions from different industries.

Ferguson said anti-cancer advocates will work now to educate the public on the new law.

"We helped create this, so we want to help implement it," she said.

"We've got communities that this is going to be brand-new for," she said.

Thirteen New Mexico communities, including Santa Fe and Albuquerque, already have imposed smoking bans. The new law would allow cities and counties to have stronger ordinances, but not weaker ones.

There are exceptions to the prohibition. Among them: retail tobacco stores, cigar bars, casinos, private clubs, and one-person offices not generally open to the public.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.