CT SB00228

Removes the December 31, 2022 deadline for new tobacco bars to qualify for cafe liquor permits, allowing establishments opening on or after January 1, 2003 to qualify indefinitely

Reduces the minimum municipal population requirement for new tobacco bars from 80,000 to 40,000 residents

Requires qualifying tobacco bars to generate at least 60% of total annual gross sales from on-site tobacco product sales, verified by annual independent CPA audit

Mandates tobacco bars meet specific facility requirements including walk-in humidors, dedicated HVAC systems with 60 cubic feet of outdoor air per person per minute, and employee health coverage

Effective October 1, 2026