Iowa Proposal would let qualifying cigar bars allow indoor smoking while serving alcohol

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Proposal would let qualifying cigar bars allow indoor smoking while serving alcohol

by Skylar Talla l- Mon, February 16, 2026 at 8:25 PM

Proposal would let qualifying cigar bars allow indoor smoking while serving alcohol

Senators are green lighting a proposal that would exempt cigar bars from Iowa's Smokefree Air Act. The proposal would allow establishments to serve alcohol to customers while they smoke a premium cigar inside.

Current law prohibits smoking in most indoor public spaces and workplaces across Iowa.

Under the proposal, a cigar bar would have to meet a number of requirements in order to be exempt. That includes generating at least 50% of their revenue in cigar sales and not allowing anyone under 21 to enter their business.

"You heard it before, we can pair a nice cigar with a nice scotch or a cocktail after dinner," Chris Hay, a Des Moines resident, said. "This may sound odd. I grew up with parents who smoke cigarettes. Don't like them, but I sure do enjoy a nice cigar. I think that the state's missing out on some revenue from the small business aspect. I am a small business owner, and then, as well as the tax revenue."

Most opponents of the bill argued Iowa already has higher cancer rates than most states and fear this would only worsen the problem.

Source: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/proposal-would-let-qualifying-cigar-bars-allow-indoor-smoking-while-serving-alcohol