MontanaEligible bars could allow indoor cigar smoking under proposed rules
The failed proposal would let certain alcohol businesses seek state approval to allow cigar smoking indoors if they met strict operating rules.
What it does
The failed proposal would let some alcohol businesses seek permission for indoor cigar smoking. They would need state approval and would have to meet strict age, sales, building, and ventilation rules.
Argument forEligible businesses could serve patrons who want to smoke cigars indoors, within a narrow exception for licensed locations.
Argument againstWorkers and patrons could still face cigar smoke in these businesses, even with rules meant to keep smoke from nearby nonsmoking areas.
More detail
The proposal would let some alcohol licensees apply for permission to allow cigar smoking on their premises. Only an all-beverages licensee with a gaming or gambling license under the listed state laws could apply. The licensee would need a gaming or gambling license under the listed state laws. The Department of Public Health and Human Services would decide whether to approve the application after reviewing the licensee’s suitability. The application must include a catering endorsement and a $200 annual fee. The business would need to earn at least 10% of its yearly income from cigar sales, not counting gaming or gambling income, and could allow only cigars bought there to be smoked. Cigars would have to meet the bill’s narrow definition of handmade premium tobacco cigars. The business could not knowingly sell to or let in anyone under 21. It would need a walk-in humidor, report cigar sales each year, and occupy a separate building used only by the cigar bar. Smoke could not enter areas where smoking is banned. An indoor bar would need enclosed walls, a ceiling, a solid door, and a dedicated ventilation system. The application would include a $200 annual fee, and the business would report its cigar sales each year. The text gives no start date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 23(S) Died in ProcessDied
- Apr 23(H) 3rd Reading
- Vote recorded Do Concur. Result: fail.Lower
- Apr 23(H) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Apr 23(S) Revised Fiscal Note Printed
- Apr 23(S) Fiscal Note Unsigned
- Apr 22(H) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Do Concur. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Cloture-Duram. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 22(H) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Apr 22(S) Revised Fiscal Note ReceivedMinor
- Apr 17(S) Revised Fiscal Note Requested
- Vote recorded be_concurred_in_as_amended. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 17(H) Committee Report - (H) Business and Labor
- Apr 17(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Business and Labor
- Mar 13(H) Hearing - (H) Business and Labor
- Feb 27(H) 1st Reading
- Feb 27(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Business and LaborMinor
- Feb 26(S) Transmitted to House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 26(S) 3rd Reading
- Feb 26(S) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Feb 25(S) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 25(S) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Feb 13(S) Committee Report - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
- Jan 25(S) Hearing - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
- Jan 23(S) Fiscal Note Printed
- Jan 23(S) Fiscal Note Signed
- Jan 22(S) Fiscal Note ReceivedMinor
- Jan 16(S) Fiscal Note Requested
- Jan 16(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Business, Labor and Economic AffairsMinor
- Jan 15(S) 1st Reading
- Jan 14(S) Introduced
- Jan 14(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Jan 12(LC) Draft in Assembly
- Jan 12(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
- Jan 10(LC) Draft in Input/Proofing
- Jan 6(LC) Draft in Edit
- Jan 6(LC) Draft in Legal Review
- 2024
- Nov 19(LC) Drafter AssignedIntroduced
Healthcare