A bill that passed over the weekend may enable smokers in Nevada to smoke in bars and taverns again. If the new bill (Assembly Bill 571) becomes law, it will allow smoking and meals in bars and taverns as long as the venue prohibits patrons under the age of 21. Additionally, taverns will be able to construct separately enclosed sections (and even separate smoke-free buildings if they’re so included) with dedicated entrances for underage customers and adults who want to eat in a smoke-free environment.

The bill, which was fought for by tavern and bar owners who believe their business revenues dropped following the passage of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act back in 2006, would go into effect as soon as it is signed into law, but first it has to survive an arduous pass through hearings and a vote in the Senate. (The bill also includes language to allow smoking in convention facilities for tobacco-related trade shows.)