The bill proposes the creation of a Cigar Bar Alcoholic Beverage Endorsement, allowing establishments with an all-beverages license to apply for this endorsement under specific conditions. To qualify, the licensee must undergo a suitability analysis and pay an annual fee of $200. The endorsement permits the smoking of cigars on the premises, which may be considered an enclosed public place, but is exempt from the Clean Indoor Air Act's smoking prohibitions. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for cigar bars, including generating a minimum percentage of income from cigar sales, having a humidor, and restricting the smoking of other tobacco products.

The bill also amends existing definitions in the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the status of cigar bars. Notably, it specifies that a "cigar bar" is an establishment that holds the new endorsement and allows for cigar smoking in enclosed public places. Furthermore, it explicitly states that cigar bars are not included in the general definition of bars and are exempt from the smoking prohibitions that apply to other enclosed public places. The amendments aim to create a distinct regulatory framework for cigar bars while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-40-103, 50-40-104
SB0150_1(1): 50-40-103, 50-40-104
SB0150_1(2): 50-40-103, 50-40-104
SB0150_1(3): 50-40-103, 50-40-104
SB0150_1: 50-40-103, 50-40-104