The Washoe County Health District is recognizing two local businesses in Washoe County at today’s District Board of Health meeting for going above and beyond in protecting the health of its customers in Washoe County.
BJ’s Nevada Barbeque Company will receive the Excellence in Food Safety Award for 2020.
The Gold N’ Silver Inn & Restaurant will receive the Extra Mile Award for choosing to become a smoke-free environment, the first of its kind in Washoe County.
“The Washoe County Health District completes over 4,500 inspections annually to ensure food that is served to Washoe County residents is safe,” said Kevin Dick, Washoe County District Health Officer. “Our staff is dedicated to providing food safety education during routine inspections as well as acknowledging those establishments that go above and beyond in their food safety practices.”
The Washoe County District Board of Health will publicly recognize the awardees at its regular monthly meeting today, Jan. 28. 2021 at 1 p.m. You can watch it online here.
BJ’s Nevada Barbecue Company
The inaugural award recognizes food establishments that excel in their long-term commitment to food safety in Washoe County. To achieve the Excellence in Food Safety Award, BJ’s Nevada Barbeque Company met strict criteria pertaining to food safety practices within the establishment including passing all health inspections throughout the year, maintaining written food safety plans and monitoring logs, and participating in continuing education on food safety for restaurant staff.
The Excellence in Food Safety Awards will be given annually. Food facilities that meet award criteria are encouraged to visit the Excellence in Food Safety webpage here. To be considered for the 2021 awards, you can nominate a business and submit an application with supporting documents to the Washoe County Health District by December 1.
The Washoe County Health District completes over 4,500 inspections annually to ensure food that is served to Washoe County residents is safe. Health District staff is dedicated to providing food safety education during routine inspections as well as acknowledging those establishments that go above and beyond in their food safety practices.
Gold N’ Silver Inn & Restaurant
The Extra Mile Award honors businesses that have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act. The Gold N’ Silver made the decision to go smoke-free when the law does not require it to, a distinction that makes it the only gaming establishment in Reno and Sparks to offer 100% smoke-free gaming environment.
Smoke-free environments are in demand now more than ever. For many local businesses it makes sense to be smoke-free, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Washoe County Health District’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program (CDPP) works to empower Washoe County colleges, institutes of higher education, trade schools, businesses, gaming establishments and communities to be tobacco-free. As part of this effort, CDPP recognizes businesses and organizations that provide smoke-free environments for students, customers, visitors and employees by awarding them with the Extra Mile Award.
The Gold N’ Silver Inn Restaurant has been a Reno landmark for over 60 years. Since opening, they have allowed smoking in their small gaming area. After the COVID-19 shutdown in the spring they reopened their facility smoke-free, becoming the only gaming establishment to currently offer 100% smoke-free gaming in the Reno/Sparks area. When Washoe County residents visit the establishment, they can now enjoy an environment without exposure to secondhand smoke in both the dining and gaming areas. Visitors will no longer worry about the drifting smoke while enjoying their meals in the popular restaurant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products causes disease and premature death among nonsmokers. “I’m happy to celebrate the EMA awardees each year because it shows the support in our community for healthy, smoke-free environments,” said Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick, “There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure, which can be harmful in many ways including increasing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, and other chronic diseases.”
The COVID-19 pandemic brings additional concern about smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, making it especially important to have smoke-free environments. The Washoe County Health District considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for our community and works with local businesses, housing professionals, and community partners to educate about and enhance smoke-free initiatives. More information about smoke-free efforts in Washoe County can be found on www.gethealthywashoe.com.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.