The Senate on Tuesday balked at a measure that would have banned smoking in private clubs and taverns, though the sponsor says the legislation has a "slight chance" of coming back up.

Senate Bill 77 would have extended the state's Indoor Clean Air Act to cover bars but still have exempted social and fraternal establishments and country clubs. Sponsor Sen. Mike Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, argued the smoking ban was needed to protect the health of workers.

"Smoking kills," Waddoups said. "People will die; perhaps we can save some lives."

The bill, however, died in a 13-16 vote.

Bob Brown, owner of the downtown Salt Lake City bar Cheers To You, celebrated the vote.

"Apparently 16 senators think freedom of choice is more important than a health issue," said Brown, who worried the smoking ban in private clubs could kill his business.

Brown said that if legislators have a problem with smoking, they should make the act illegal. But to ban smoking in clubs would just punish some businesses.

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Tribune reporter Matt Canham contributed to this story.