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Planning commission recommends conditional use permit for TaylorSmoke cigar lounge/nightclub in Oyster Point
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of conditional use permit CU20250005 to allow TaylorSmoke to operate a Type 2 nightclub (cigar lounge/restaurant) at 639 Pilothouse Drive, Suite 605; staff outlined 12 conditions including compliance with Virginia fire and building codes and potential sprinkler requirements at permitting.
The Newport News Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 6 to recommend approval of conditional use permit CU20250005, clearing the way for TaylorSmoke to relocate to Suite 605 at 639 Pilothouse Drive in the Oyster Point area.
Planner Saul Galicia presented the application and told commissioners the 4,460-square-foot suite on a 2.666-acre parcel is zoned C-1 (Retail Commercial) and that the proposed ‘‘Type 2 nightclub’’ use — which under the zoning ordinance includes establishments with entertainment, hours past 11 p.m. and occupancies over 100 — generally conforms with the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan. Galicia said staff recommended the Planning Commission forward the application to City Council with 12 conditions, noting that ‘‘the applicant would be required to comply with all state and local codes, including the Virginia State Fire Prevention Code’’ and that the building code may require a sprinkler system at the time of building permit issuance.
Applicant Latasha Vinnie described TaylorSmoke as ‘‘a cigar lounge, but it’s a very upscale, unique, location’’ that caters to professionals and will add private lockers and more space at the new site. She confirmed the business sells cigars and accessories and intends to convert the current location into a wine bar that would close earlier. General contractor Terrence Jackson, who identified himself as a retired fireman, said his team has coordinated with Codes/Compliance on separating smoking and non-smoking sections and on air handling and life-safety details.
Commissioners asked whether the nightclub permission would apply to the existing location (staff confirmed the approval would apply only to the new location) and clarified hours. The conditions presented with the recommendation state the lounge hours will be 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and note that smoking is limited to designated rooms with full-height partitions and negative air pressure strategies.
The motion to recommend approval passed by roll call vote, 8–0. Chairperson Taylor announced the item will be heard by City Council on Sept. 9, 2025.
