Opinion ID: 2722123
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Cigar Bars

Text: The exemption for cigar bars was not part of the Act as it was originally enacted. Instead, it was enacted by subsequent legislation in 2009.46 The Introducer’s Statement of Intent on the proposed bill specifically stated that the purpose of the exemption was “to provide protection for businesses currently operating in the state as ‘cigar bars.’”47 During debate, the senator who introduced the bill argued that cigar bars should be exempt from the Act because they existed for the purpose of allowing smoking.48 There is no substantial difference in circumstances between cigar bars and other public places or places of employment that justifies treating cigars bars differently. Indeed, the exemption is directly contrary to the purpose of the Act, which is to protect the public health by limiting exposure to secondhand smoke. The exemption in § 71-5730(4) for cigar bars is unconstitutional special legislation.