Planning commission recommends conditional-use permit for TaylorSmoke cigar lounge at Oyster Point

The Newport News Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve conditional-use permit CU20250005 to allow TaylorSmoke, a cigar lounge and restaurant, to operate a Type 2 nightclub at 639 Pilothouse Drive, Suite 605.

Planning staff identified the site as a 4,460-square-foot suite on a 2.666-acre parcel in the Oyster Point Shopping Center, zoned C-1 Retail Commercial and designated “neighborhood commercial” on the 1 City 1 Future 2040 comprehensive plan land-use map. Staff said the proposed operation fits general plan goals for neighborhood-scale retail and services and noted the suite previously housed a restaurant and sports bar. The staff presentation said departments including Engineering, Public Works, Water Works, Police, Parks and Recreation and Development raised no objections; the fire department noted that a sprinkler requirement will be determined during building-permit review under the Virginia State Fire Prevention Code and Virginia Building Code.

Latasha Beanie, the applicant and owner of TaylorSmoke, told the commission she is relocating the existing lounge to obtain more space for locker members and a larger dining area. "TaylorSmoke is a cigar lounge, but it's a very upscale, unique location," Beanie said. "It's a place for our older people to get together, relax, smoke their cigars, and just woosah." Terrence Jackson, the contractor on the project, described steps in the design to separate smoking and non-smoking areas, including full-height smoke partitions and negative air pressure systems.

Staff recommended approval with 12 conditions, which the commission adopted as part of its recommendation. The conditions described by staff require the suite to comply with all state and local codes—including the Virginia State Fire Prevention Code and the Virginia Building Code—prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy; restrict signage to a building sign; prohibit smoking outside designated smoke rooms; and set hours of operation. The conditions state the nightclub will operate from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; staff clarified that restaurant operations will align with lounge hours. Staff also stated 251 on-site parking spaces are provided for the shopping center (as reported in the staff presentation).

Commissioners asked about prior complaints at the applicant's current location (none reported in the staff presentation), the length of time the business had occupied its current site (Beanie said two years), and whether patrons could rent the banquet hall operated by the same owner at the same time as the lounge (Beanie said no). After public comment from the applicant and the contractor, Commissioner [not specified] moved approval; Commissioner Black seconded. The roll-call vote was 8–0 in favor.

The commission's recommendation forwards CU20250005 to the City Council; staff told the commission the item will be heard by City Council on Sept. 9, 2025. Any final approvals, building-permit determinations (including whether sprinklers are required), and operational licensing remain subject to staff review and applicable state and local codes.