Nevada smoking ban could be gutted

"Nevada lawmakers are considering a bill that would gut large portions of the voter-approved indoor smoking ban, reviving a long simmering fight between health advocates and business owners.

In a hearing Friday, cardiologists squared off with slot route operators and cancer victims sparred with tavern owners over the proposed legislation that would allow businesses to wall off indoor smoking areas and adults-only smoking bars to serve food.

Senate Bill 372, sponsored by the Judiciary Committee at the request of Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, would also prevent local health districts from enforcing the smoking ban and counties from passing any more stringent anti-smoking laws.

The measure essentially guts the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act passed by voters in 2006, health advocates argued."

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