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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 change, saying the measure "is not a repeal of Fort Wayne's smoke free protections" and that the amendment includes guardrails such as limiting entry to those 21 and older, prohibiting cigarettes and vaping, restricting food and beverage sales to no more than 60% of gross income, and requiring at least 20% of revenue to come from cigars and humidor rentals.
The change prompted robust public comment. Opponents included public-health advocates and teen speakers who warned reintroducing indoor cigar venues would renormalize smoking and expose workers to secondhand smoke. "No worker in Fort Wayne should be asked to choose between their health and a paycheck," Taylor Williams of the American Lung Association told the council. Community members and health organizations urged the council to preserve strong smoke-free protections.
Supporters argued the exemption levels local regulation with state law and helps small, specialty businesses. Dr. Dawn Moore, who said she is opening a cigar-oriented business, called the council's action "a monumental win for small businesses and community development," saying the alignment removes confusing regulatory barriers for entrepreneurs.
Chambers and Booker said they worked on the amendment for more than two years, reviewed other Indiana cities' approaches, consulted legal teams, and wrote the ordinance with "tight guardrails" intended to protect public health while allowing narrowly defined adult-only cigar establishments.
What's next: the amendment takes effect as an ordinance of the city code; enforcement responsibilities fall to state and local agencies as specified in the amendment.
