The bill that would allow cigar smokers in Washington state to light up in retail cigar stores and cigar lounges took a big step forward on Thursday, passing the House Committee on Commerce & Gaming with a 9-0 vote. Joe Arundel, president of the Cigar Association of Washington, heralded the vote and said that he thought it sent a strong message for the bill’s chances. It’s the third time that a bill has been introduced in the legislature to allow for smoking in cigar stores and lounges, but both of the previous attempts have failed. In this version, the licensing fees have been drastically reduced, and as such gives the bill a different path to the House floor. Washington is one of a small number of states where smoking is prohibited in cigar stores. The bill is now scheduled for an executive session in the House Committee on Commerce & Gaming at 9:00 am on Feb. 5 in anticipation of other legislative action. Arundel had previously told halfwheel that he anticipated it would also need to clear the House Rules Committee.
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