Senate Bill 211 proposes to create a new statute, 101.123 (3) (n), which would exempt certain tobacco bars from the existing public smoking ban in Wisconsin. To qualify for this exemption, a tobacco bar must meet three specific criteria: it must have been established on or after June 4, 2009; it can only permit the smoking of cigars and pipes; and it cannot be classified as a retail food establishment. This bill aims to provide a legal framework for tobacco bars that meet these conditions, allowing them to operate without the restrictions imposed by the general prohibition against indoor smoking.

Currently, tobacco bars that existed prior to June 3, 2009, are already exempt from the smoking ban. The proposed legislation would expand this exemption to include newer establishments that adhere to the outlined requirements, thereby potentially increasing the number of venues where smoking is permitted in a controlled environment.