CT HB05297

Allows new tobacco bars opening on or after October 1, 2020, to operate with smoking and vaping permitted, removing the previous prohibition on expansion or relocation of existing bars.

New tobacco bars must meet specific requirements: located in stand-alone buildings, have a walk-in humidor on premises, maintain a three-mile distance from existing tobacco bars (unless municipal zoning allows otherwise), or use independent heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems if connected to other buildings.

Defines qualifying tobacco bars as establishments with alcoholic liquor permits that generate at least 51% of annual gross income from on-site tobacco product sales and humidor rentals (for bars opening after October 1, 2020).

Maintains existing smoking prohibitions in public buildings, health care institutions, restaurants, retail food stores, schools, child care facilities, and most other establishments with alcohol permits.

Effective October 1, 2020; applies to both traditional smoking and electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping) through parallel amendments to Connecticut General Statutes sections 19a-342 and 19a-342a.