Indiana Cigar Retailers Get OK to Sell Cigars at Events; Restaurants Can Create Cigar Smoking Rooms

[JohnS]

May 4, 2025 - Patrick Lagreid

Indiana Cigar Retailers Get OK to Sell Cigars at Events; Restaurants Can Create Cigar Smoking Rooms

Cigar retailers and cigar-loving restaurateurs in Indiana scored a win this week, as a bill was signed into law that will allow the former to sell cigars at events and other functions outside of their physical store, while the latter will be able to create cigar-smoking rooms.

HB 1458, authored by Rep. Kyle Miller, D-Fort Wayne, allows a retailer to purchase a supplemental cigar sales certificate for $1,000, which will be valid for three years. Retailers will be required to notify the state’s alcohol and tobacco commission of the date and location of the function where they would like to sell cigars. The commission could deny the request, and even if the request is approved, it would not allow for smoking in places where it would otherwise be prohibited.

Additionally, the bill allows a restaurant to establish a separate smoking room where cigar consumption may occur. To do so, the restaurant proprietor must hold an alcoholic beverage retailer’s permit and permission from the local government entity that enforces local smoking ordinances.  According to the bill’s language, the space must:

•     Only be accessible to adults at least 21 years old,
•     Be separated from the rest of the space by a closed door
•     Be connected to an outdoor patio area
•     Be well-ventilated
•     Only allow for cigar smoking

Furthermore, it cannot be connected to the dining room.

The new laws go into effect on July 1.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/indiana-cigar-retailers-get-ok-to-sell-cigars-at-events-restaurants-can-create-cigar-smoking-rooms/451456/