Nevada to levy fines for smoking
Published 9:00 pm Thursday, December 21, 2006
LAS VEGAS – Smoking in Sin City bars might get you a ticket from now on, but it won’t get you thrown in jail, a judge ruled Thursday.
Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon said he would allow a voter-approved smoking ban to take effect immediately, but he barred police from enforcing it. Health inspectors, however, will be able to issue $100 tickets, he decided.
The ban covers some bars and the areas around slot machines at supermarkets, gas stations and convenience stores.
A lawyer for the Southern Nevada Health District said he expected the agency would start a public awareness campaign before beginning to cite smokers. “We’re going to enforce by education first,” lawyer Stephen Minagil said.
