Action delayed on smoking rules

RENO — A state panel delayed action Friday on proposed regulations that anti-smoking groups say would violate a voter-approved ban on smoking in restaurants.

After hearing from both sides of the issue, health board members decided to hold public workshops before taking action later this year.

Supporters of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 said the regulatory changes would circumvent the will of voters by allowing smoking at bar areas inside restaurants.

Michael Hackett, who led the drive for the act, said it clearly prohibits smoking in all indoor areas within restaurants.

The 2006 initiative prohibited smoking in restaurants and bars that serve food, in slot machine sections of grocery and convenience stores, and at video arcades, shopping malls, schools and day-care centers. Smoking is still allowed on gambling floors of casinos.

Lawyer Jim Wadhams represents Golden Gaming, which operates 40 restaurants and bars across the state. He said restaurants seeking to accommodate smokers would have to provide a separate enclosed area as well as separate air ventilation systems.