News
Smoking temporarily allowed at cigar bars
Friday, October 24, 2014
Lincoln Journal Star
Don’t stub out that stogie just yet.
Liquor Control Commission officials have decided to allow smoking at cigar bars while the Nebraska Supreme Court considers an appeal to its ruling that the state's cigar bar exemption is unconstitutional.
Cigar bar owners will be able to renew their special liquor licenses, which otherwise would have expired Oct. 31, Liquor Control Executive Director Hobert Rupe said.
Lawrence Chatter, owner of Rich Bar and Lounge, a Lincoln cigar bar at 1640 O St., said, “It’s certainly a win for the business."
The high court issued its ruling in late August.
The court's decision on the business owners' appeal has taken longer than expected but could come down in the next few weeks, Rupe said, adding that he has warned cigar bar owners they might only have a couple of days to stop the smoking once the court rules.
Their underlying liquor licenses would still be good, Rupe said.
Chatters said he hopes the court’s decision makes that a moot point.
“I hope the Supreme Court takes another look at this and says, ‘This is something we’re going to keep on the books,’” he said.
Allowing hookah smoking at Rich has drawn a lot of Middle Eastern clients who probably wouldn’t have come in otherwise, Chatters said.
“It’s allowed for the expansion of the different cultures,” he said. “I hope this turns out the right way this time around.”
