South Dakota Bill Would Allow for New Cigar Bars

[JohnS]

South Dakota Bill Would Allow for New Cigar Bars

February 6, 2026 - Charlie Minato

A South Dakota bill that would allow for new cigar bars in the state has cleared its first hurdle.

The South Dakota House State Affairs Committee approved H.B. 1215 by a vote of 11-1, meaning the bill moves to consideration in the full House of Representatives. H.B. 1215 would allow for counties and municipalities to issue licenses for new cigar bars, so long as the businesses meet certain requirements, such as generating at least 10 percent of sales from the sale of cigars as well as having a humidor and proper ventilation. The state’s 2008 smoking ban is said to have grandfathered just three existing cigar bars.

Municipalities would be restricted to issuing one permit plus an additional permit for every 25,000 residents.

The bill was proposed by Rep. Will Mortenson, R-24, and has bipartisan support from 19 other legislators.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/south-dakota-bill-would-allow-for-new-cigar-bars/461966/

[JohnS]

South Dakota Legislature Passes Cigar Bar Bill (Update)

March 11, 2026 - Charlie Minato

A South Dakota bill that would allow for new cigar bars in the state has cleared its first hurdle.

Update (March 11, 2026) — On Monday, March 9, the South Dakota Senate passed the bill 28-6 with one absent. It now heads to Gov. Larry Rhoden to be signed into law. This story was originally published on Feb. 6, 2026.

The South Dakota House State Affairs Committee approved H.B. 1215 by a vote of 11-1, meaning the bill moves to consideration in the full House of Representatives. H.B. 1215 would allow for counties and municipalities to issue licenses for new cigar bars, so long as the businesses meet certain requirements, such as generating at least 10 percent of sales from the sale of cigars as well as having a humidor and proper ventilation. Additionally, only the smoking of cigars would be allowed in cigar bars. The state’s 2008 smoking ban is said to have grandfathered just three existing cigar bars.

It would appear the final version of the bill dropped language that would have restricted municipalities to issuing one permit plus an additional permit for every 25,000 residents.

The bill was proposed by Rep. Will Mortenson, R-24, and has bipartisan support from 19 other legislators.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/south-dakota-bill-would-allow-for-new-cigar-bars/461966/

[JohnS]

South Dakota Governor Signs Law Allowing for New Cigar Bars

March 19, 2026 - Charlie Minato

Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed into law a bill that will allow for new cigar bar licenses in the state of South Dakota.

Last week, H.B. 1215 was passed by the South Dakota Senate, sending the bill to Rhoden’s desk. It allows for new cigar bars, businesses that can sell cigars and alcohol to consumers to enjoy on premises. Previously, the state’s 2008 Clean Air Act had grandfathered just three cigar bars and prohibited the issuing of any new licenses.

Per the bill, to qualify to be considered a cigar bar, the business will need to:

• Have a humidor
• Be enclosed by walls, windows and ceilings; i.e., no outdoor-only cigar bars
• Have ventilation
• Have a liquor license
• Generate at least 10 percent of its revenue from the sale of cigars

Municipalities or county commissioners will need to issue the cigar bar license, which will require a public hearing with at least 30 days of notice and at least a seven-day notice in a newspaper. If approved, the business can only allow for the smoking of cigars on premise.

With Rhoden’s signature, H.B. 1215 is now in effect, meaning businesses can start applying for new licenses.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/south-dakota-governor-signs-law-allowing-for-new-cigar-bars/464810/