There is already debate about the cigar bar exemption;
A smoking ban backer says restaurants, pubs or casinos thinking of becoming cigar bars to get around the ban – if it’s enacted – won’t be able to do it.
As it passed the state Senate earlier this week, the ban would exempt existing cigar bars making at least 10 percent of their gross revenue from cigar sales. That applies to just two businesses in the entire state: Stogeez Cigar Lounge in Sioux Falls and the Deadwood Tobacco Co. and Cigar Bar.
Yeah, I bet 10% of Stogeez gross revenue comes from cigars – whatever. Who is cooking the books there? I hear Matt Adamski’s accountant is looking for a job. This is what Kant says in the AL;
Stogeez owner Tim Kant said 14 percent to 16 percent of his business is cigar sales, or about 10,000 cigars sold a year.
Why jeopardize good legislation by exempting a whopping TWO businesses in the entire state? Because, once again, If Tim Kant wants it, lawmakers cave.