Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont SIgns Bill Allowing New Cigar Bars

On Tuesday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed SB 905 into law, a bill that creates a pathway for cigar shops to apply for liquor licenses and become cigar bars.

The bill comes with a number of provisions that will limit just how many shops will ultimately be able to get a liquor license. First, a cigar shop must have opened between Jan. 1, 2003 and Dec. 31, 2022, meaning that a shop that opened in 2023 would not qualify.

Regardless of when the shop opened, licenses will only be available to shops located in cities with a population of at least 80,000 residents. There are only seven cities in the state that meet that threshold: Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury, Norwalk and Danbury. Additionally, the bill only allows for one license to be granted in each of those cities, meaning that only seven licenses appear to be available.

Shops must also generate at least 60 percent of their total annual gross sales from on-site sales of tobacco products, they must offer a walk-in or stand-up humidor, must not allow cigarette smoking or cigarette tobacco on the premises, and must be in a standalone building or have their own heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to prevent the comingling of air. The shop must also offer health coverage to its employees and meet certain requirements for its ventilation system to qualify.

“Although the bill was narrowed in scope, it seemed that members of the House and Senate wanted to gauge how the bill would be implemented and received,” said Glynn Loope, director of state advocacy for the Premium Cigar Association, via a press release. “It sets a solid precedent for a pilot effort so that broader measures may be considered in the future.”

While SB 905 might feel like it contains a number of hurdles for a shop to clear, it is notable as it marks the first time in 20 years that cigar lounges could apply for liquor licenses. Under the state’s current law, cigar lounges, cigar bars and private clubs were exempt from the 2003 Clean Indoor Air Act, but it also prevented existing businesses from changing their size or location after it went into effect. That essentially meant that new tobacco bars were unable to open, and existing lounges without a liquor license were not able to apply for one.

“For many of us, this action and support by the legislature is a symbol of support for our small businesses and an opportunity for our local shops to diversify, as we cater to a discerning adult clientele,” said Nick Casinelli, the owner of the Connecticut Cigar Company in Stamford, in a press release. “It’s also an opportunity for Connecticut to keep revenue and jobs in the state, given that cigar bars in surrounding states have been capturing such business. Although the legislature narrowed the bill, we hope this becomes a long-term opportunity for our local shops.”

Loope went on to express thanks to the sponsors of the bill for their hard work and dedication in spearheading the legislation, as well as to the Connecticut-based lobbying firm of Kozak & Salina, who he said was “instrumental in working with the legislature to negotiate final language to ensure passage of this long-awaited legislation securing a win for Connecticut cigar enthusiasts, our retail members, and the PCA.”

“We are delighted that Connecticut has taken this important step in recognizing the needs and desires of cigar enthusiasts and providing them with a space to indulge in their passion,” said Loope. “We look forward to working with other states to pass similar legislation, and we encourage all cigar enthusiasts to get involved in advocacy efforts to protect and promote their freedoms.”

The bill passed the House of Representatives by a 111-38 vote, with two members not voting, while in the Senate, the bill passed by a 29-7 vote.

The change appears to go into effect on October 1, though it remains unclear how long the certification and licensing process will take.