Alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Allows the holder of a tobacco sales certificate (holder) to obtain a supplemental cigar sales certificate (cigar certificate) that allows the holder to sell cigars on a temporary basis at a function or event. Provides the fee for a cigar certificate is $1,000 and has a term of three years. Requires the holder to give written notice to the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) of the date and location of the function or event where the holder proposes to sell cigars. Provides that the commission's approval of the location does not authorize smoking in violation of: (1) state laws prohibiting smoking in public places; or (2) any county, city, or town smoking ordinance. Allows a restaurant proprietor who holds an alcoholic beverage retailer's permit to establish a segregated room where cigar consumption may occur, if the proprietor has the permission of the local government entity that enforces local smoking ordinances.
This bill, HB1468, deals with the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, particularly cigars. It allows businesses with a tobacco sales certificate to obtain an additional permit for selling cigars at temporary events like functions or parties. The permit costs $1,000 and is valid for three years. Businesses must inform the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission of the event details, but the permit does not override local smoking bans.
This bill affects tobacco and cigar sellers, as well as event organizers. By offering a temporary permit, it aims to regulate cigar sales at events while ensuring compliance with local smoking laws. The bill also allows restaurants with a liquor permit to create areas where cigars can be smoked, if the local government agrees.
HB1468 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and after several reviews and amendments, it passed both the House and Senate on April 30, 2025. It was then signed by the Governor, making it law. The bill has now been officially enacted.
