A bill to allow new cigar lounges to open in New Jersey has taken its first step forward, as the state Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee gave its approval with a 9-1 vote on Thursday. A2057, which was sponsored by Reed Gusciora, Wayne P. DeAngelo, Joseph A. Lagana and L. Grace Spencer, all of whom are Democrats, seeks to permit new cigar lounges to be opened should a municipality wish to allow them to do so. To qualify, a prospective owner would have to apply with the local board of health and new cigar lounges would not be able to sell food or alcohol and could not be located with a bar, restaurant of other establishment where the primary business is the sale of food and alcohol for on-premises consumption. Additionally, the entrance to the lounge would have to be distinct from any other establishment and accessible directly by the public, and would be required to have an exhaust system to maintain air quality. The use of hookah would also be prohibited, and owners would have to renew their license on a yearly basis while generating at least 15% or more if its total annual gross income from the ...
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