ND HB1229

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 23-12-10 to create an exemption from smoking restrictions for cigar lounges that obtain a valid certificate from the tax commissioner.

Requires qualifying cigar lounges to have a humidor, solid walls/windows/ceiling/door, and ventilation systems that prevent smoke recirculation and backstreaming into nonsmoking areas.

Cigar lounges must report annually before February 1st to the tax commissioner the revenue from cigar sales as a percentage of annual gross income and must generate at least 15 percent of annual gross income from cigar sales to qualify.

Defines "cigar" as an individual roll of tobacco with a whole leaf wrapper, tobacco-only filler and binder, no additives except water, no filter or mouthpiece, weighing at least 6 pounds per thousand count, and made by hand or with manually operated machines for bunching, rolling, and binding.

Permits only the smoking of cigars purchased on the premises within qualifying lounges and prohibits smoking of any other products.