Delaware County considers adding ‘cigar lounge’ exemption to indoor smoking ban
Delaware County Commissioners are considering amending the county’s indoor smoking ban to allow a “cigar lounge” to open locally. As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, not everyone approves of the proposed business.
The change would add a definition for a “cigar lounge” to the 2011 indoor smoking ban and exempt such businesses. As described, lounges would have to have an alcohol permit, only admit those 21 and over, and have “independent ventilation.”
Earlier this month, Commissioner Stephen Brand said the changes stem from someone wanting to open a proposed cigar and bourbon bar in downtown Muncie.
At Monday’s meeting, a few citizens spoke against the amendment. One was Jordan Moss, director of Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County.
“We see in Indiana alone over 11,000 people are dying from tobacco-related illnesses, which kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides all combined.”
Brand says while he wouldn’t go to the cigar lounge personally, the amendment is about adults making personal choices.
“You know, no different than they gamble or go to a bar. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen an accident report that said, you know, ‘This accident happened because somebody was under the influence of a cigar.’”
Commissioners postponed a second reading vote on Monday after their attorney wanted to clarify points of what’s already in the county code.
The 2011 smoking ban included bars, restaurants, and private clubs, with no exceptions. It was upheld by a judge in a lawsuit later that year.
Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host. Contact her at slwiechmann@bsu.edu.
