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/