January 2023

Marijuana Lounges Approved with Impaired Driver Prevention Mandate

On Tuesday, Dec 20, the Clark County Commission adopted the requirements that marijuana lounges would have to abide by in order to be licensed in the jurisdiction. At the urging of Commissioner Naft, prospective applicants must submit a mitigation strategy to prevent customers from driving impaired.

The Impaired Driver Prevention plan is intended to result in a reduction in the number of crashes and fatalities caused by impaired driving, reduce the social and economic costs of impaired driving, promote a culture of safety, and enhance community partnerships.

The Clark County Office of Traffic Safety worked to develop policies focused on reducing the potential of impaired driving stemming from Cannabis Consumption lounges. And will be responsible for reviewing submittals.

These plans must include, a description of training employees receive on impairment as well as a signage plan for advising patrons of applicable NRS. Additionally, an alternative transportation plan(s) must be created, including evidence that the property owner consents to 24-hour no-tow policy and plans for partnerships with transportation companies.

'Humane Pet Store' Ordinance Approved Unanimously

On December 6th, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved the "Humane Pet Store Ordinance" which is designed to reduce the commercial market for puppy mill animals in an effort to strike a blow against the inhumane puppy mill industry.

Commissioner Michael Naft sponsored the ordinance, which will prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and potbellied pigs in pet stores in unincorporated Clark County. Consumers will still have multiple options to bring a pet into their lives such as shelters, rescues, and ethical breeders. Every size, shape, and breed of dog will still be available to Clark County consumers and all of the products needed for that new pet will still be available at your local pet store.

“Clark County is generally accustomed to being the leader on issues in the state,” Naft said, "and in this case, the county is following the lead of some 400 municipalities that have adopted similar bans, including North Las Vegas and Reno." However, pet store sales will continue to be legal in Henderson and the City of Las Vegas, which approved a ban but repealed it in 2017.

Puppy mill mother dogs are known to be forced to give birth to multiple litters each year in a process known as being "bred until dead."

Naft said he agreed with citizens who complain the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not adequately protect dogs in puppy mills, adding he’d “love to see” solutions to puppy mills at the state and federal levels. “That’s not before us today.”

“I invite my colleagues in the cities yet to act, to consider a similar policy,” Naft said after the meeting.

The ordinance is also intended to help stem overcrowding in shelters. Southern Nevada, like much of the nation, is in the midst of an animal overpopulation crisis.

Highlights From All Around A

• On December 13, Searchlight showed their holiday spirit at the annual Parade of Lights. Area residents decorate their cars and come together to celebrate the season. The Searchlight Community Center hosts the yearly holiday party and house decorating contest.

• Dec. 16 marked the first home opener for southern Nevada's latest professional sports franchise. The Desert Dogs Lacrosse will play their matches at the Michelob Ultra Arena in District A. The Desert Dogs have already ingrained themselves in the community, partnering with Clark County Parks and Recreation to supply local fields with lacrosse goals and working with area youth interested in the growing sport.

• Commissioner Michael Naft hosted Clark County's Fourth Annual Menorah lighting with Rabbi Shea Harlig and Rabbi Levi Harlig of Chabbad of Southern Nevada. Hanukkah is the eight-day festival that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated occupying Greek-Assyrian armies about 2,200 years ago.

• Mondays Dark is Vegas’ premiere variety show for a cause. The all-star charity show celebrated its ninth anniversary at Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms. The organization, based in District A, is a tremendous partner of Clark County.

Searchlight Parade of Lights

Desert Dogs

Menorah lighting

Mondays Dark 9th Anniversary

Commission Meetings

January 3 at 9:00 a.m. 

January 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Government Center (500 S Grand Central Pkwy.)

Zoning Meetings

January 4 at 9:00 a.m. 

January 18 at 9:00 a.m.

Government Center (500 S Grand Central Pkwy.)

Click here to view Town Advisory Board and Citizen Advisory Council January dates.

Click here for more events at the West Flamingo Senior Center, and click here for more events at the Helen Meyer Community Center.