Voters tell lawmakers: Stop second-hand smoke

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002 | 9:28 a.m.

Southern Nevadans sent a clear message to state legislators Tuesday night: They're tired of inhaling second-hand smoke in public places such as restaurants.

Two advisory questions asking whether voters want more strict smoking restrictions passed, leaving legislators to ponder whether they'll grant their constituents' wishes and who will regulate new laws.

County officials have long been frustrated over the state's control over smoking regulations in Clark County.

Question 12 asked voters if the Clark County Board of Health should be allowed to adopt its own regulations to protect residents from second-hand smoke. The board's regulations would be stronger than state laws. About 57 percent of voters approved of the idea; 43 percent voted against it.

Question 13 asked whether the state should prohibit smoking in public places such as restaurants, schools, grocery stores and public buildings. The question passed overwhelmingly with 67 percent voter approval.

In other action, about 64 percent of Clark County voters opposed a one-cent property tax increase that would have generated about $4 million to go toward homeless programs and services.