the 2006 initiative and is considering a request to the 2011 Legislature to strengthen the act.
Larry Matheis of the Nevada State Medical Association, representing the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition, termed the initiative ``arguably the most successful health legislation adopted in Nevada in two generations.''
Matheis said Nevada has always been one of the top states in terms of smoking and now, according to federal reports, has dropped to about 16th place. He said approval of SB372 would make the 2006 initiative ``toothless,'' and added that lawmakers shouldn't ``embarrass'' the state by approving the bill.
The 2006 initiative prohibits 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.
Under SB372, smoking would be allowed in bars that serve food as long as minors are restricted from entry. Also, businesses could wall off separately ventilated smoking rooms.
