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 back any municipality’s local smoke‑free law.”

Supporters told the committee the bill would help small businesses and align with Kentucky industries such as bourbon and horse racing. Anthony Piagentini, a Louisville Metro Council member, described the measure as “a very small business focused, deregulatory type measure” and said Kentucky lacks venues where visitors can legally enjoy a cigar with bourbon.

Opponents urged the committee to reject the bill on health grounds and to preserve local authority. Doug Hogan, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Kentucky, said the measure ‘‘seriously undermines local smoke‑free laws’’ and would ‘‘negatively impact the health of patrons, employees, and others who may just simply be in the same building as a cigar bar.’’ Michael Gieske, director of the lung cancer screening program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, told members that comprehensive smoke‑free policies reduce tobacco use and lung cancer mortality and urged a no vote.

Committee members asked the sponsor about details including the 15% revenue threshold; Lewis said that figure reflected the average among about 20 states the sponsors examined and that some states set higher thresholds. Representative Stalker asked whether any state set the threshold higher; Lewis responded, “I think the highest was 40%.” Representative Chester Burton and others questioned whether Jefferson County or Louisville Metro had enacted similar local legislation; the record shows no such local cigar‑bar ordinance currently in effect there.

After committee discussion the committee adopted the substitute and advanced the bill by roll call. The transcript contains the formal roll call and the committee’s favorable expression; the committee chair announced the motion carried.

The bill will next be scheduled for floor consideration under the House procedures. The transcript records debate and the roll call in full; committee members who spoke included Representative Chris Lewis, Anthony Piagentini, Doug Hogan, Michael Gieske, Representative Chester Burton, Representative Brown and Representative Stalker.