By Timothy S. Donahue

Top Takeaways:

• Smoking exemption: Iowa lawmakers approved legislation that would permit premium cigar bars to operate despite a smoke-free indoor air law.
• Strict requirements: Qualifying venues must generate at least 35% of revenue from premium cigars and accessories, restrict entry to adults 21 and older, keep a walk-in humidor, and avoid serving food.
• Next step: The proposal now moves to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers will decide whether to amend the Smokefree Air Act.

The Iowa Senate has approved legislation that would permit premium cigar bars to operate despite the state’s public smoking ban, a move supporters say could establish a new hospitality sector for the cigar industry.

Lawmakers voted 27–18 to pass Senate File 2444, which would amend the Iowa Smokefree Air Act to allow certain licensed establishments where customers can smoke premium cigars while being served alcoholic beverages.

Under the proposal, qualifying venues would need to meet several conditions:

• At least 35% of a business’s revenue must come from premium cigar sales and accessories, and establishments would be required to maintain a walk-in humidor.
• Entry would be restricted to customers aged 21 and older, and businesses would not be allowed to serve food or sell other tobacco products.

Supporters say the bill would create a controlled environment for adult cigar aficionados while maintaining statewide indoor smoking restrictions.

“This legislation creates a very narrow exemption for premium cigar lounges,” said Sen. Tony Bisignano, the bill’s sponsor, during floor debate. “It’s intended for adult patrons who enjoy premium cigars in a regulated setting.”

The proposal would broaden Iowa’s existing smoking exemptions, which already permit smoking in specific settings like certain tobacco retail stores, casino gaming floors, and designated hotel rooms.

Industry advocates say cigar lounges are a growing part of the premium cigar market in other states, blending retail cigar sales with lounge-style hospitality experiences.

Public health groups, however, remain concerned about the potential weakening of smoke-free protections. Opponents claim that expanding exemptions could expose workers and patrons to secondhand smoke and slowly erode Iowa’s smoke-free indoor air law, enacted in 2008.

The measure now moves to the Iowa House of Representatives, where lawmakers will decide whether the proposed cigar lounge exemption becomes law.