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Special exception granted for wine-and-cigar lounge at 7886 Broadway; owner told to seek council approval next
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Summary
The board granted Monica Blakemore Tatum a special exception to operate a wine-and-cigar lounge (Noir by Dialogue) at 7886 Broadway (C-2), with security on site and a contained VIP smoking humidor. The motion passed unanimously and staff indicated petitioners will next appear before town council.
The zoning board approved a special exception allowing owner Monica Blakemore Tatum to operate a wine-and-cigar lounge at 7886 Broadway.
Tatum, who described the business as a mature, upscale space focused on conversation and music, said the proposed Noir by Dialogue (a sister location to her existing Dialogue Wine Bar in Miller Beach, Gary) would feature live music, occasional poetry nights and a small, enclosed humidor-based VIP smoking room. "This is not a nightclub whatsoever," she said, adding the concept emphasizes a relaxed environment for adults. Tatum said she holds an MBA and has run the existing business since 2019.
Staff advised the request is a special exception under §21-136 in the C-2 community commercial district; the parcel is about 2.3 acres. The owner said food will be provided by vendors rather than prepared on-site, and that security personnel will be present during operating hours (Thursday through Sunday, 7 p.m. to midnight). Board members asked about live music and food service; Tatum said music would be jazz and poetry events and that the cigar selection would be limited to an enclosed room so smoke would not affect the rest of the space.
No one from the public spoke against the proposal. A motion to grant the special exception for this petitioner and location passed on a 4-0 voice vote. Staff noted the petitioners will need to appear before the town council as the next step in the approval process.
