Board discusses private cigar‑club advertising and upcoming state social‑consumption law

Lawrence Board of Health staff raised concerns on Dec. 16 about a private cigar‑club event that had been advertised publicly and whether that advertisement made the event open to the public, potentially violating local rules.

Cesar, health‑department staff, described conversations with a club contact (Pedro) who said he was not aware the event would be advertised. "He said he had no idea that that was being advertised. He was gonna talk to them and see if he could cancel that event," Cesar said. Staff told the board that private clubs may permit smoking only if the club meets specific registration and segregation requirements and if the event is truly members‑only; if a club advertises publicly or sells memberships at the door, staff said that may constitute a violation.

Board members asked whether a private cigar club can host activities in external spaces and whether membership may be sold at the door; staff said guest registration and a member present for any guest are required and that the smoking area must be fully segregated so smoke does not drift into public or rented spaces.

Members also noted a recently passed Massachusetts law authorizing social‑consumption establishments for marijuana, and the Chair said cities and towns can opt in or opt out. The board said it will research how the new state law interacts with local rules on public smoking, including whether the city needs specific regulations for social‑consumption venues.

Staff said they would follow up with the club contact and report back to the board at a future meeting.