Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky HB194: AN ACT relating to cigar bars.
Status: In committee, February 4, 2026
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to define "cigar bar" and "local government"; allow the operation of cigar bars in areas where establishments holding valid quota retail drink licenses are held and allow certain local government controls on the establishment of cigar bars, including permits, controls for smoke, smoke-free deliver spaces, notice of the presence of smoke, and prohibition of other types of smoking contrivances; allow a local government to permit the operation of cigar bars without holding a valid quota retail drink license.
What the bill says
An act relating to cigar bars.
From the engrossed text:
AN ACT relating to cigar bars. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 65 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: (1) As used in this section: (a) "Cigar bar" means an establishment that: 1. Holds a valid quota retail drink license, as defined in KRS Chapter 243, for the on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages unless a local government passes an ordinance pursuant to subsection (4) of this section; 2. Generates at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its annual gross income from the on-site sale of cigars, pipe tobacco, paraphernalia and accessories related to the consumption of cigars and pipe tobacco, and rental of humidors, or a combination thereof; 3. Does not knowingly sell products or services, or permit entrance to the premises, to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age; and 4. Does not permit the use of electronic cigarettes or vapor products or the smoking of products other than cigars and pipe tobacco inside interior space of the cigar bar; and (b) "Local government" means a city, county, urban-county government, consolidated local government, charter county government, unified local government, or special district. (2) (a) 1. A person shall be permitted to operate a cigar bar within the Commonwealth in any area where other establishments that meet …
Sponsors
- Chris Lewis (R, HD-029) · primary sponsor
- Michael Meredith (R, HD-019)
- Emily Callaway (R, HD-037)
- Beverly Chester-Burton (D, HD-044)
- Jim Gooch (R, HD-012)
- Peyton Griffee (R, HD-026)
- Daniel Grossberg (D, HD-030)
- Mark Hart (R, HD-078)
- Thomas Huff (R, HD-049)
- T.J. Roberts (R, HD-066)
- Susan Witten (R, HD-031)
Latest actions
- : to Committee on Committees (S)
- : received in Senate
- : 3rd reading, passed 69-24 with Committee Substitute (1)
- : posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, February 03 2026
- : 2nd reading, to Rules
- : reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
- : to Local Government (H)
- : to Committee on Committees (H)
- : introduced in House
Votes
- House: Pass RCS# 50 (February 3, 2026): 69 yea, 24 nay, passed
Subjects: Special Districts, Commerce, Consumer Protection, Tobacco, Local Mandate, Counties, Public Health, Local Government
Common questions
- What is HB194?
- HB194 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to cigar bars.
- What does HB194 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to cigar bars.
- What is the status of HB194?
- In committee as of February 4, 2026. Latest action: to Committee on Committees (S) (February 4, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB194?
- Chris Lewis (R, HD-029), with 10 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB194?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb194.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.