April 17, 2009

Senators finalize cigar bar exemption

Final legislative approval was given April 17 to a cigar bar exemption to the statewide smoking ban passed last year and set to take effect June 1, 2009.

LB355, introduced by Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh, allows an exemption for cigar bars that hold a Class C liquor license and earn at least 10 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of cigars and other tobacco-related products, excluding cigarettes.

The bill also:

• prohibits cigarette smoking in cigar bars;
• requires a $1,000 non-refundable application fee;
• prohibits cigar bars from selling food;
• requires that a walk-in humidor be on the premises;
• prohibits discounting alcohol in conjunction with cigar sales;
• requires that proof of qualifying revenue be submitted to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission; and
• prohibits counties and cities from passing resolutions or ordinances prohibiting cigar smoking in cigar bars

After declining to pass LB355 with the emergency clause attached, senators passed the bill on a 27-22 vote.

See the entire article at: Unicameral Update