Creating regulations for cigar bars, modifying the smokefree air Act, and including effective date provisions

This bill relates to cigar bars and modifies the smokefree air Act. The bill modifies Code chapter 142D (smokefree air Act) by exempting cigar bars from the smokefree air Act if the cigar bar meets the definition of a cigar bar created in the bill.47A, (5) maintains a walk-in humidor or a humidor with a capacity of storing at least 150 cigars, (6) posts at every entrance a declaration that smoking is permitted on the premises and persons under the age of 21 years of age are prohibited from entry, (7) does not allow the smoking of any other product other than premium cigars, and (8) sells only premium cigars. The bill defines “premium cigar” to mean a cigar that (1) is wrapped in whole leaf tobacco, (2) is 100 percent leaf tobacco binder, (3) is made manually, (4) contains no filter or nontobacco mouthpiece, and (5) weighs more than six pounds per 1,000 units. The bill specifies a cigar bar shall annually submit a certified financial statement to the department of revenue (department) verifying that at least 35 percent of the annual gross revenues are generated from the retail sale of premium cigars and cigar-related products. If the annual gross revenues fall below 35 percent, the cigar bar loses the exemption from the smokefree air Act. The department is required to administer the bill and may adopt rules necessary to enforce the bill. The procedures for the suspension of tobacco retailer permits under Code chapter 453A remain the same for a cigar bar. The bill provides for increasing civil penalties for violations of the bill. The bill takes effect upon enactment.