Local bar in Reno to go smoke-free

Owners feel it's time for a non-smoking venue

RENO, NV - The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA) went into effect on December 8, 2006 prohibiting the smoking of tobacco products in most public places and indoor places of employment.  But due to exemptions in the NCIAA, smoking is still allowed in some locations, including casinos, stand-alone bars, taverns and saloons. However, Carl’s – The Saloon, a local bar in Reno is breaking from the norm of allowing smoking, and beginning April 28 this Virginia Street pub will be smoke-free. 

When asked what influenced their decision to go smoke free, co-owners John Lysight and Ron Svasek responded with the following, “We feel that the city is ready for a non-smoking venue.  Our bar is making some improvements, which will make our bar more inviting.  Since we are making the changes in décor, it seemed like a perfect time to make a change.” 

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure.  Secondhand smoke exposure causes lung cancer and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in nonsmoking adults and children. 

Many business owners worry that banning smoking from their facility will hurt their business, however, the US Surgeon General indicates that smoke-free laws do not negatively impact business.  More importantly, smoke-free laws improve both employee and population health.  Across the nation, more bars have opted to go smoke-free in an effort to reduce the effects of secondhand smoke and improve customer’s health. Here in Washoe County the smoke-free movement also includes smoke-free housing opportunities and smoke free meeting venues. 

According to Lysight and Svasek, they have seen a drop in the number of their customers who smoke.  Customers who do wish to smoke will be asked to step outside to the patio where a designated smoking area has been established.  By being smoke-free, Carl’s – The Saloon is protecting their employees and patrons from secondhand smoke and creating a supportive environment for those that want to quit. 

The Washoe County Health District considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for our community and continues to work with local businesses and community partners to educate about and enhance smoke-free initiatives.  More information on the Washoe County Health District’s smoke free efforts including smoke free housing and smoke free meeting sites can be found at www.gethealthywashoe.com. Print