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Council adopts narrow cigar-lounge exemption to city's smoke-free law after heated public comment
Summary
The Fort Wayne Common Council voted 8-1 to adopt an amendment creating a narrow, state-aligned cigar-lounge exemption allowing adult-only cigar venues under defined guardrails; the decision drew significant public-health opposition and pro-business support.
The Fort Wayne Common Council on Dec. 9 adopted an amendment that creates a narrowly defined cigar-lounge exemption to the city's smoke-free ordinance, aligning local rules with Indiana state law while preserving the broader smoke-free protections for restaurants, bars and workplaces.
Councilwoman Sandra Chambers (spoke as "Councilwoman Chambers" in public remarks) and Councilwoman Raleigh Booker led the amendment, which the council adopted with an 8-1 vote in the final session. Chambers emphasized the narrow scope and safeguards of the…
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