Health District Receives Preliminary Injunction Against Bilbos Bar and Grill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 8, 2007

Las Vegas – District Court Judge Valerie Adair granted a preliminary injunction against Bent Barrel, Inc./Bilbo’s Bar & Grill at 8699 W. Charleston Blvd. in the first action filed by the Southern Nevada Health District for non-compliance with the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act (Nevada Revised Statutes 202.2483) The judge’s order will compel Bilbo’s Bar & Grill to comply with the Act by removing all ashtrays and matches from its establishment. A trial date for issuance of a permanent injunction has not been sent.

The action follows attempts by the health district to bring the tavern into compliance. In mid-April, the health district notified Bent Barrel, Inc./Bilbo’s Bar & Grill of its violations and requested that the company meet with district officials about compliance; the tavern rejected the health district’s request and noted that it will not comply with the Act. Bent Barrel, Inc./Bilbo’s Bar & Grill was among the establishments that had received numerous complaints related to the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act from the general public. Health district officials visited the location and documented violations consisting of staff members providing ashtrays to customers.

The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act was passed by a majority of voters in November. Initially, the Act included criminal as well as civil penalties. In December, a judge removed the criminal penalties from the Act leaving civil enforcement with the Southern Nevada Health District only. The health district began its enforcement activities with a wide-reaching educational and information campaign. The second phase of the district’s enforcement policies included verification and notification of violations. Since November, the health district has received more than 2,000 complaints involving approximately 590 different establishments. Currently, the health district permits more than 16,000 food establishments in Clark County.

For more information, visit the health district website, www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org. There is a page dedicated to the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act, including current legal action that has been taken.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.