MADISON, Wis. -- The smoke-free debate is firing up again in Wisconsin.

A bill that would ban smoking in all bars, restaurants and workplaces across the state is currently stalled in the state Senate by some lawmakers who want to exempt taverns.

To build support, officials with the American Cancer Society are traveling across Wisconsin gathering support for a statewide smoking ban, WISC-TV reported.

"What we're trying to do is show the Legislature before they go home in March that it's time for Wisconsin to be smoke-free," said Alison Prange, of the American Cancer Society.

Prange said the Midwest Division of the American Cancer Society is holding a series of town hall meetings throughout the state. On Sunday, the group held one such meeting at the Dry Bean Restaurant and Bar in Fitchburg.

Currently, patrons at the Dry Bean can smoke indoors, but not for long.

The Fitchburg City Council approved an ordinance last year to ban all smoking in indoor public places, which goes into effect in April.

"I think that it should have gone statewide from day one and not do individual cities, city by city," said Erica Anderson, a smoking ban supporter. "I think it should be all or nothing because I think it's unfair that certain bars have to lose almost all their clientele because people will choose to smoke if they are smokers."

Currently, 22 states, including Illinois and Minnesota, are smoke-free. Proponents in Wisconsin hope that the Legislature will send the smoke-free bill to the floor of the Senate for a vote.

The American Cancer Society held another meeting on Sunday night in Eau Claire. More meetings are planned for the coming weeks, officials said.

The Tavern League of Wisconsin opposes a smoking ban stating that the move would hurt business in the state.