Health officials working to clear up smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-12-09

• Author:Dave Frank
• Publication:Nevada Appeal

Most businesses report little to no impact since ban went into effect

Most Carson City businesses have followed a state smoking ban enacted last year, but health officials are still deciding how to enforce the rules.

Voters passed the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act last year, banning smoking in most indoor businesses. Casinos, stand-alone bars, tobacco shops and adult entertainment clubs are exempt.

But the city health department, which helps enforce the ban, has gotten few complaints and found few problems during routine inspections, said Dustin Boothe, a department supervisor.

The department checks for "no smoking" signs in businesses that can't allow smoking and looks for ashtrays and smoking paraphernalia. Inspectors check during routine health inspections and respond to written complaints.