PITTSBURGH -- The Allegheny County Health Department announced Thursday that it will form a committee to determine whether or not smoking should be banned in area bars and restaurants.

Florida, California, New York, and various cities and counties across the country have already implemented a ban on smoking.

13 states have a ban on smoking in restaurants. Maryland and South Dakota do allow smoking in restaurant bars.

Seven states, including New York, have banned smoking in stand-alone bars.

Bans are even popping up in private workplaces.

The County Health Department is looking to take a fair and balanced approach to this controversial issue.

Restaurant and bar owners like Richard Rattner, of the William Penn Tavern in Shadyside, fear the ban will be detrimental to business.

The legality of the ban with the county has come into question before, although that may no longer be an issue as the state is considering legislation of its own.