Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB374

Introduced

1/17/24

Refer

1/17/24

Caption

Prince George's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Cigar Lounge License PG 303-24

Impact

The introduction of the Class B–CL license is significant as it provides an opportunity for business development in Prince George's County, particularly within the cigar lounge niche. By allowing these establishments to bypass some of the distance restrictions that would normally apply due to proximity to schools and places of worship, the bill facilitates greater commercial freedom. This may encourage the growth of social venues that cater to adults looking for a specific leisure experience in a licensed environment, potentially leading to increased economic activity in the area.

Summary

House Bill 374 establishes a Class B–CL (cigar lounge) beer, wine, and liquor license specifically for use in Prince George's County. This bill aims to promote the establishment of cigar lounges that can serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. An important aspect of this legislation is that it excludes cigar lounges from certain distance restrictions typically imposed on alcoholic beverage licenses, thereby allowing them to operate closer to schools and places of worship under specific conditions. The annual fee for acquiring this license is set to be $900.

Contention

One notable point of contention around HB 374 relates to health and safety regulations. By explicitly excluding cigar lounges from the Clean Indoor Air Act, the bill opens up discussions regarding public health implications of smoking in such environments. Critics may voice concerns about the potential normalization of smoking in designated public spaces, particularly in light of ongoing public health campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco use and protecting congregate spaces. The balance between economic opportunity for business owners and the health of the community will likely be a central theme among stakeholders as the bill progresses through the legislative process.