Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed for New Cigar Bars

[JohnS]

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed for New Cigar Bars

December 5, 2025 - Charlie Minato

Turns out, there will not be new cigar bars in Wisconsin.

On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers announced that he was vetoing nine bills that were recently passed by the state’s legislature, including one that would have allowed for new cigar bars in the state. Last month, the Wisconsin Legislature passed A.B. 211, a bill that would have modified the state’s 2009 smoking ban to allow for a new license for “tobacco bars.”

The 2009 law bans the creation of new cigar bars in the state, but an effort was made to try to exempt them.

A.B. 211 would have allowed for new licenses if they met nine different conditions, including having air filtration, banning anyone under the age of 21 years old from entering the premises, having employees acknowledge they are working in a smoking environment and more.

Now, those efforts are for not. Cigar bars that were operating as of June 4, 2009—when the state’s indoor smoking ban was signed into law—are able to remain open.

In a statement, Evers said that as a former smoker and cancer survivor, he could not sign the bill.

Given that the bill passed 18-15 in the Wisconsin Senate, it seems unlikely there will be enough votes to meet the two-thirds supermajority that it would take to override Evers’ veto.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/wisconsin-governor-vetoes-bill-that-would-have-allowed-for-new-cigar-bars/458001/

[JohnS]

Tony Evers vetoes bill aiming to allow more cigar bars in Wisconsin

Laura Schulte - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Maduro Cigar Bar photographed on June 25, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. © Anna Kleiber

MADISON - Wisconsin won't see any new bars that allow the smoking of tobacco, after Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill that aimed to expand the numbers of cigar bars.

Evers vetoed the "cigar bar" bill on Dec. 5, alongside several other bills sent to him by the Legislature. 

The bill would have allowed taverns to sell cigars and pipe tobacco, which could then be smoked on the bar's premises. In order to sell tobacco, the bar would have needed to generate at least 15% of its income from the sale of cigars or pipe tobacco, which could not come from a vending machine.

In his veto message, Evers said the bill would have a negative impact on the public health of people in Wisconsin, due to secondhand smoke in establishments that would allow smoking under the bill.

"Wisconsin’s smoke-free air law was enacted over 15 years ago to ensure that everyone has the right to breathe clean air while at work and in public places," Evers said in the veto message. "This public policy was a critically important step forward for keeping kids, families, and communities healthier and safer, improving public health and, most importantly, saving thousands of lives."

His veto also drew on his own personal experiences.

"As a former smoker and esophageal cancer survivor, I cannot in good conscience reverse course on that important step for public health, safety, and well-being by restoring indoor smoking in certain public spaces," he said.

Current rules only allow cigar bars that were already in operation in 2009, when legislation banning indoor smoking was passed. The smoking ban went into effect in July 2010, banning indoor smoking at all establishments except for a small selection of cigar bars.

Since then, those interested in smoking a pipe or cigar indoors while they enjoy a drink have been limited to a small handful of establishments, such as Shaker's Cigar Bar in Milwaukee or Maduro Cigar Bar in downtown Madison.

The bill was introduced previously in 2023, but did not make it to Evers desk before the conclusion of the session.

There was significant pushback on the bill from residents and advocacy organizations such as the American Cancer Society Action Network, the American Heart Association and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

They noted the risk to public health in their testimony earlier this year, and said opening more cigar bars would encourage more public smoking.

Supporters of the bill said they simply wished to start a business, and would install state-of-the-art air purifying systems to keep others safe inside their businesses.

Source: https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/05/tony-evers-vetoes-bill-aiming-to-allow-more-cigar-bars-in-wisconsin/87627521007/

[Lucas Buck]

Breaks my heart for Wisconsinites. Will the relentless oppression of tobacco lovers never end? Where would we be without our royal saviors - saving us from ourselves?

[NYGuido]

These politicians are idiots. This wasn’t going to prompt restaurants to allow smoking. It was going to allow folks who already smoke premium cigars to have somewhere to go in the 6+ months a year Minnesota is too cold to exist outside in. 

I’m increasingly annoyed with the paternalism politicians of all ideologies foist upon their citizens. 

[BrightonCorgi]

3 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I’m increasingly annoyed with the paternalism politicians of all ideologies foist upon their citizens. 

They know better than you. That is why you vote them into office and let their collective wisdom define our lives.