Planning panel backs cigar lounge alcohol‑service expansion in Loma Vista plaza

On Aug. 6, 2025, the Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve an amendment to a special exception to allow an existing cigar lounge in the Via Loma Drive shopping plaza to expand into an adjacent unit and continue on‑premise beer and wine service.

Hillary Payton, planning and development, told the commission the lounge originally received a special exception for on‑premise beer and wine as an accessory use on Oct. 25, 2010. The applicant seeks to expand from roughly 1,350 square feet to about 2,500 square feet and will continue to serve up to about 25 patrons with no outdoor seating; staff confirmed the owner opted to remove the sidewalk/outdoor seating that had been used. Hours of operation were presented as Monday–Wednesday 12:30 p.m.–9 p.m., Thursday–Saturday 12:30 p.m.–11 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m.–8 p.m. Staff said the request met the land development code criteria for a special exception and that the applicant held the required community meeting on July 15, 2025.

Applicant Ryan LaBarre said the business has existed for more than a decade and that recent interior work by a prior owner had effectively expanded bar service into an adjacent unit, requiring the new application. Commissioners asked whether expanded seating required additional ventilation; the applicant said existing exhaust equipment was already in place and the physical change added only three or four bar seats. After discussion, the commission recommended approval; the motion passed with all members present voting in favor. The recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.