Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act

Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act was approved by the voters of Nevada on November 7, 2006 and went into effect on December 8, 2006. This act “prohibits smoking in most public places and indoor places of employment.” Smokers in this state should become aware of the places they are permitted to smoke in and the places they are prohibited from smoking in. If smokers abide by this Clean Indoor Air Act they will avoid being punished for violations and facing penalties that will have to be paid.

Smoking is prohibited in Nevada in indoor or enclosed workplaces to protect workers and the public from second-hand smoke. This provision includes all school property, both public and private; any child care facility that has at least five children in it’s care, and all grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores. Restaurants are also locations where smoking is prohibited, even if the restaurant is located within a casino. Other locations smoking is prohibited in Nevada are government owned or operated buildings, theaters, arcades or other indoor places where the public is welcome to enter or that serves the general public. Smokers who are aware of these areas can avoid facing paying penalties for violating the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act.

The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act states where smoking is prohibited, but it also states where smoking is permitted. Areas inside a casino where children are not allowed are places where smoking is permitted as are stand-alone bars, taverns and saloons that do not serve food. Strip clubs and brothels area also locations where smoking is permitted. Retail tobacco stores and designated hotel/motel guest rooms are also places where smoking is legal, the same is true with private residences as long as they are not used for child care or as a health care center. In Nevada, these locations are the only places smoking is permitted indoors.

Violators of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act face penalties if found guilty. Violating this act is a misdemeanor and will usually carry a fine. In addition to this misdemeanor, violators are liable for “a civil penalty of $100” per violation. Businesses who allow this violation to occur can also face a misdemeanor penalty, so it is best if a business’ staff reminds the violator of the act, then asks them to leave the establishment if they refuse to put out the tobacco product they are smoking.

Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act was put into effect to battle second-hand smoke and the problems associated with it. Violators of the act found guilty face penalties. With this in mind, smokers should become familiar with where smoking is permitted and where it is prohibited in the state of Nevada.

Reference:

• health2k.state.nv.us/tobacco/index.htm