24.20.010 Purpose and policy declared.

(1)    This chapter is enacted in the exercise of the board of health powers of Clark County to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare. Its provisions shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of these purposes.

(2)    It is the specific purpose of this chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public and not to create or otherwise establish special benefits for any particular class or group of persons.

(3)    The board of health finds that the emergence of new, unregulated electronic smoking devices and unregulated nicotine delivery products or vaping devices (hereinafter “inhalant delivery systems”) presents a threat to public health. Inhalant delivery systems have a strong appeal to youth due to their high-tech design and availability in child-friendly flavors like chocolate and strawberry. Current state and federal law prohibits minors from legally purchasing, using or possessing tobacco in any form. FDA-approved nicotine delivery devices or nicotine replacement therapy are not approved for persons younger than eighteen (18) years.

(4)    It is the specific intent of this chapter to place the obligation of complying with its requirements upon the owner of each employer and establishment. The authority to implement and enforce its provisions shall remain with the health department and other agencies of government in the exercise of their authority.

(5)    This chapter is adopted for the benefit of the public generally. Nothing contained in it is intended to nor shall be construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of Clark County, or its officers, employees or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from the failure of any person subject to this chapter to comply with it, or by reason or in consequence of any act or omission in connection with the implementation or enforcement of this chapter on the part of Clark County by its officers, employees or agents. (Sec. 1 of Ord. 2011-06-09; amended by Sec. 2 of Ord. 2015-04-18)