MADISON, Wis. -- Joined by Madison tavern owners on Friday, Gov. Jim Doyle said it is time for Wisconsin to pass a statewide smoking ban and he dismissed any compromise to make taverns exempt from a smoking ban.

Doyle said that a statewide ban will keep businesses in some communities from losing business when smokers go across the street to nearby establishments in other communities that allow smoking.

"The simplest, easiest level playing field is to have all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, in this state smoke-free," Doyle said.

The governor said that it is time for Wisconsin to join Minnesota, Illinois and 23 other states with a smoking ban.

"Here we are in Wisconsin, watching what's happening in Minnesota and Illinois, and it is time for us to get this job done as well," he said.

A Senate committee scheduled a public hearing next week to discuss a statewide smoking ban, WISC-TV reported.

Doyle also called for lawmakers to approve his request to hike the state cigarette tax by $1.25 per pack. He said that money will pay for smoking cessation programs, help pay for smoking-related illnesses and teach teenagers to never begin smoking.