Pennsylvania Bill Would Ban Smoking in Cigar Stores, Bars, Casinos & More

A bill in Pennsylvania could end smoking in businesses across the state including cigar stores, cigar bars, casinos, bars, private clubs and outdoor spaces.

H.B. 2298 is being introduced by Rep. Dan Frankel, D-23, which would remove exemptions in the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act for those businesses, as well as public outdoor spaces. The language is said to include both traditional tobacco products and vaping.

It would also allow for cities and counties to introduce tougher legislation in the future.

Pennsylvania is one of the two most important states for cigars in the country. Due to its lack of tax on cigars, many of the largest retailers in the world are based in the state including Cigars International/Thompson Cigar, Famous Smoke Shop, Holt’s, Best Cigar Prices, Atlantic Cigar Co. and others.

The law would likely ban smoking at the world’s largest cigar event: Cigars International’s Cigarfest.

H.B. 2298 currently has 14 sponsors—13 Democrats and one Republican—and a similar measure is expected to be introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate by Sen. Jay Costa, D-43.