The Economic Impact of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act in Clark County, Nevada – Preliminary Findings

Authors

Robin Mukalian, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Fang Lin, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Christopher R. Cochran, University of Nevada Las VegasFollow
Jay J. Shen, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Nancy L. York, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Keywords

Economic impact; Hospitality industry; Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act; Nonsmoking areas – Economic aspects; Nonsmoking areas – Law and Legislation; Nonsmoking areas in restaurants; Restaurants; Smoke-free legislation; Smoke-free policy; Smoking ban

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Health Policy | Medicine and Health | Public Health

Abstract

Objective. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to quantitatively evaluate the economic impact of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA) on businesses in Clark County.

Methods. The goal of this research was to assess economic indicators over a ten year period utilizing measurable data points, including restaurant and drinking establishment employment rates, taxable sales, openings and closings, as well as slot gaming revenues. This ten year time period consisted of a seven year span prior to the enactment of the NCIAA, and three years post enactment. Researchers conceived this study as a means to independently evaluate and address the potential economic impact of a smoke-free law in a region dependent upon tourism and gaming.

Results. Economic indicators did in fact decrease after the NCIAA was enforced but most of the declining trends began prior to the passage of the smoke-free act and are consistent with downward trends in other, non-NCIAA affected segments of our economy.

Conclusion. The overall findings of this study are consistent with similar non-tobacco industry supported economic studies showing little or no statistically significant downward economic trends after passage of smoke-free legislation.

Recommended Citation

Mukalian, Robin; Lin, Fang; Cochran, Christopher R.; Shen, Jay J.; and York, Nancy L. (2010) "The Economic Impact of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act in Clark County, Nevada – Preliminary Findings," Nevada Journal of Public Health: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/njph/vol7/iss1/3