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HB 211 Kentucky House · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to cigar bars.

Summary
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to define terms; provide that local government restrictions on smoking shall not apply to cigar bars; require cigar bars to provide certain smoke-free spaces.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 10, 2025 Last action Mar 6, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Current/Final · 6 edits
MODERATE
This bill significantly expands the definition of 'cigar bars' and clarifies their legal protections. It now requires cigar bars to hold a specific alcohol license unless a local government opts out, sets a 15% income threshold from cigar sales, and adds new requirements for smoke-free delivery areas and public notice postings. The bill also allows local governments to require annual permits for cigar bar operations.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from a basic definition to include specific income thresholds, permit requirements, and operational restrictions on smoking products other than cigars and pipe tobacco.
DEFINITION

Changed the alcohol license requirement from 'valid license' to 'valid quota retail drink license' with an exception if local government passes a specific ordinance.

REQUIREMENT

Added a 15% minimum income threshold from cigar, pipe tobacco, and related accessory sales to qualify as a cigar bar.

Added requirement for smoke-free delivery areas for supplies and mail, with an exemption for existing cigar bars at the time of enactment.

Added requirement to post conspicuous notice at entrances warning customers about tobacco smoke exposure.

ENFORCEMENT

Added authority for local governments to require annual permits with fees limited to actual regulatory costs.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provision allowing local governments to permit cigar bars to operate without the standard alcohol license through specific ordinances.

Floor votes · House Feb 18, 2025

How they voted

77–20
Passed · 7 other
Total votes 104
Feb 18, 2025
D Democratic21
7 Yea 11 Nay 3
52% Nay
R Republican83
70 Yea 9 Nay 4
84% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
3
Committee
6
Amendments
2
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
lower
Feb 21, 2025
Committee
to State & Local Government (S)
upper
Feb 19, 2025
Committee
to Committee on Committees (S)
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
3rd reading, passed 74-19 with Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendments (1) and (2)
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Introduced
floor amendment (2) filed to Committee Substitute
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Introduced
floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
lower
Feb 4, 2025
Committee
to Local Government (H)
lower
Jan 10, 2025
Committee
to Committee on Committees (H)
lower
Jan 10, 2025
Introduced
introduced in House
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.