Earlier this week, the Prince George’s County Council gave cigar smokers a legislative win, as the 11 councilors voted unanimously to legalize cigar lounges and cigar bars.
The passage of the ordinance clears the way for cigar businesses to offer a place for their customers to smoke indoors, while also enjoying food and alcoholic beverages.
New lounges must be located at least 300 feet from any school, library, park, recreational facility, or historic site, and must be at least 2,000 feet from any other cigar lounge. Stores will be prohibited from having displays or signs with “LED, bright, or flashing lights.”
In a report by WTOP.com, Council Member Calvin Hawkins said that the goal of passing the ordinance was to keep cigar smokers in the county as opposed to having to travel to neighboring counties or states.
The law will go into effect in mid-July.
Prince George’s County is located in the central part of the state, and neighbors the eastern part of Washington, D.C. The county is home to nearly 967,000 residents.