This bill amends current law to allow municipalities in New Jersey to adopt ordinances permitting the establishment of new cigar lounges that would be exempt from the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act." Under the proposed legislation, a prospective cigar lounge must apply for registration with the local board of health, which can only grant approval if the lounge meets specific criteria. These include not selling or serving food or alcoholic beverages (except for private events), not being located within a bar or restaurant, having a distinct entrance accessible to the public, being equipped with a proper exhaust system for safety, and prohibiting the use of hookahs on the premises. Previously, only cigar bars or lounges that were operational before December 31, 2004, could be registered and exempted from the Smoke-Free Air Act.

Additionally, the bill outlines the renewal process for the registration of these new cigar lounges, which must occur annually. To qualify for renewal, a lounge must generate at least 15 percent of its total annual gross income from the on-site sale of tobacco products and the rental of humidors, comply with all initial registration requirements, replace the exhaust system filter, and not expand or change its location. If a lounge fails to renew its registration, the owner will be prohibited from registering another lounge. This legislation aims to create a regulated environment for cigar lounges while ensuring public health standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:3D-59