South Dakota authorizes local governments to license cigar bars with ventilation and income requirements

Original title: authorize counties and municipalities to issue a license for a cigar bar.

Last action · March 30, 2026: Signed by the GovernorSponsors: Chris Karr and 24 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Does

South Dakota allows counties and municipalities to issue licenses to existing alcohol-licensed establishments that meet specific ventilation, physical enclosure, and revenue standards. The new law permits cigar smoking solely for products purchased on-site while banning other tobacco products, and establishes local hearing and revocation procedures.

Why it matters

Local establishments holding specific alcohol licenses gain the legal option to operate a dedicated , provided they install approved ventilation systems and derive at least ten percent of their annual gross income from cigar sales. The measure sets clear statutory requirements and enforcement mechanisms for local governing bodies.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Local governing bodies

Counties and municipalities are granted the authority to issue, inspect records for, hold hearings on, and suspend or revoke cigar bar licenses.

Directly affected

Establishment owners holding specific alcohol licenses

Qualifying businesses may apply for a specialized cigar bar license to permit on-site cigar smoking under strict ventilation and revenue conditions.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of establishments are eligible to apply for a cigar bar license?

Establishments must already be approved for a license classed under subdivision 35-4-2 (4), (6), (12), or (16), feature a humidor, have solid physical enclosures and an approved ventilation system, and expect to generate at least ten percent of their annual gross income from cigar sales.

Can patrons smoke any tobacco product they bring into a licensed cigar bar?

No. Establishments may only permit the smoking of cigars purchased on the premises, and the smoking of any other tobacco product is prohibited.

Can a cigar bar owner sell or transfer their license to another person?

No, a person issued a license to operate a may not sell or transfer the license to any other person.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

14 actions

Mar 30, 2026HouseEnrolled
Signed by the Governor
Mar 12, 2026HouseEnrolled
Delivered to the Governor
Mar 12, 2026Senate
Signed by the President
Mar 11, 2026House
Signed by the Speaker
Mar 10, 2026HouseCommittee
Concurred in amendments
Mar 9, 2026SenateCommittee
Do Pass Amended

Show 8 earlier actions

Mar 4, 2026SenateCommittee
Do Pass Amended
Mar 4, 2026Senate
Motion to amend
Mar 4, 2026Senate
Scheduled for hearing
Feb 10, 2026SenateIntroduced
First read in Senate and referred to
Feb 9, 2026HouseFloor
Do Pass
Feb 6, 2026HouseCommittee
Do Pass
Feb 6, 2026House
Scheduled for hearing
Jan 29, 2026HouseIntroduced
First read in House and referred to

Version history

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