Cigar stores in Maine could soon find themselves able to sell both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks as they might be able to get rebranded as cigar lounges.
State Senator Eric Brakey (R-20) has proposed LD 34, which seeks to remove a prohibition on cigar stores serving beverages on premises. It would also update the definition of a cigar lounge, making it a place that is licensed as such; occupies a total area of not more than 2,000 square feet; and derived 60% or more of its gross revenue for the previous calendar year from the sale of tobacco-related products.
Additionally, the proposal would remove a ban on smoking a waterpipe or hookah in a tobacco specialty store that is newly licensed or that requires a new license after January 1, 2007.
Cigarette smoking and the preparation and sale of food would be prohibited in cigar lounges. Additionally, cigar lounges must provide notice to all applicants for employment and employees that working in a cigar lounge can come with health problems.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. It has already gained co-sponsorship from a second state senator and six state representatives.