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Legal cigar lounges with on-site alcohol draw opposition from health groups and restaurants
Summary
At an Economic Matters Committee hearing, proponents of House Bill 13 18 sought a statewide framework to allow licensed premium cigar shops to operate lounges that may also serve alcohol under a restricted license.
At an Economic Matters Committee alcohol-subcommittee hearing, supporters of House Bill 13 18 told lawmakers the bill would create a clear statewide framework to allow certain premium tobacconists to operate cigar lounges that may also serve alcohol under a restricted license.
Sponsor Delegate Alonzo Johnson said the measure would “give small businesses stability, flexibility, and protections” and allow Marylanders to patronize cigar lounges and spend dollars in-state instead of traveling out of state. Attorney Matt Foley, representing the Premium Cigar Retailers Association of Maryland (PCRAM), described a limited expansion: licensed lounges would be grandfathered if they already held local liquor authority,…
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