Connecticut Legislators Approve Bill That Would Allow New Cigar Bars, Now Awaits Governor’s Signature

Connecticut legislators have given their approval to SB 905, a bill that would amend several of the state’s alcohol laws, and in turn allow for the establishment of new tobacco bars and for existing tobacco bars to expand or change location.

The bill 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.

According to the state’s Department of Consumer Protection, there is only one cigar bar currently licensed in the state, Owl Shop in New Haven.

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 bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Ned Lamont for his signature. If the governor signs the bill into law, it would require new tobacco bars to be in standalone buildings or to have their own heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as to have a walk-in humidor, and must generate more than half of their revenue from tobacco sales or humidor rentals. New locations would be subject to opening a minimum distance away from any existing tobacco bar, and would not be able to allow cigarette smoking.