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Planning commission recommends approval for Miss Lounge smoking‑lounge expansion at 349 Main Street
Summary
The Laurel Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of special-exception application 981 to the Board of Appeals, allowing Miss Lounge to increase its indoor smoking-lounge square footage at 349 Main Street subject to 11 staff conditions and health‑department restrictions on food service.
The Laurel Planning Commission on May 12 recommended approval of special-exception application 981 for Miss Lounge, a smoking lounge at 349 Main Street.
Connor Johnson, Planner III with the Department of Economic and Community Development, told the commission the applicant, OCPS LLC, seeks an amendment to a prior special exception to increase the lounge’s square footage. Johnson said the applicant’s floor plan is 1,388 square feet and, under the Unified Land Development Code parking schedule, requires 14 off‑street parking spaces; the landlord attested those 14 spaces are available behind the building. Johnson said staff found all five special‑exception criteria in ULDC §20‑21.1 satisfied and recommended the commission forward approval to the Board of Appeals.
Johnson also noted comments from the Prince George’s County Health Department and state indoor‑air rules: “It is unlawful...to smoke, or use an electronic cigarette in any drinking I mean, eating or drinking establishment open to the public,” and the Maryland Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking and vaping in restaurants and other food establishments; as a result, the applicant “shall not serve catered or prepared food in a smoking establishment,” Johnson said.
Tim Papula, the applicant and managing partner of Miss Lounge, confirmed he has worked with staff on the stipulations since last year and said he had no objections to the conditions. “None. Absolutely not,” Papula said when asked whether he accepted the report’s stipulations.
Commissioner Roy Smith moved to approve the special exception for 349 Main Street; Commissioner Bill Wellford seconded and added that approval should include the 11 conditions listed in the staff report. The commission took a roll‑call vote and the motion carried.
The commission’s action is a recommendation to the City of Laurel Board of Appeals; the Board of Appeals has final authority over special‑exception approvals. The staff report noted that a fire‑marshal capacity certificate will be required if the Board approves the revised occupancy.
