Bill easing smoking ban passes

CARSON CITY " A bill that would ease the terms of a voter-approved measure that banned smoking in many bars and other public places was approved on a 6-1 Wednesday by a key legislative committee.

SB372, approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, would soften the 2006 Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act to allow smoking in bars that serve food as long as minors are restricted from entry. Also, businesses could wall off separately ventilated smoking rooms.

Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, said she voted against the bill because it "would undo the good work that has been done" by the 2006 act.

As amended, the bill allows the state health officer to designate local health authorities to enforce the law.