South Dakota Legislature Approves Bill Allowing New Cigar Bars

Legislation that would allow for the creation of new cigar bars across South Dakota has now passed both chambers of the state legislature.

What HB 1215 Does

South Dakota’s current law stems from the state’s 2009 smoking ban, which generally prohibits smoking tobacco products in public places but includes a limited number of grandfathered exemptions for existing cigar bars.

HB 1215 expands upon that framework by allowing local governments to issue licenses for new cigar bars. Under the bill, counties and municipalities would have the authority to determine whether to permit such establishments within their jurisdictions and to administer the licensing process.

Why It Matters for Premium Cigars

For the premium cigar community, HB 1215 represents an important development because it creates a legal pathway for new cigar bars to operate in South Dakota. Under the existing framework, opportunities for such establishments have been limited largely to locations that qualified under earlier exemptions.

By establishing a licensing structure for new cigar bars, the bill provides clarity for both local governments and prospective business owners while maintaining the state’s broader public health framework.

Next Steps

HB 1215 has now cleared both the House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Larry Rhoden. He must sign the bill into law or veto it or automatically become law.