House Local Government panel advances bill defining cigar bars, allows indoor cigar smoking under conditions

The House Standing Committee on Local Government voted to advance House Bill 211, a proposal from Representative Chris Lewis to define ‘‘cigar bars’’ and allow indoor cigar smoking at establishments that meet specified conditions.

The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, requires cigar bars to generate at least 15% of annual gross income from on‑site sales of cigars, pipe tobacco or cigar accessories, restricts entry to people 21 and older, bans cigarettes and vaping on the premises, allows local governments to require permits and tobacco licenses, and requires a smoke‑free area for deliveries and mail. Representative Chris Lewis said the measure was modeled after Tennessee law and “will not roll…