Cigar bar bill clears panel

OLYMPIA – For the fourth time since the statewide smoking ban took effect, Washington state is seeing a movement to give cigar lovers state-regulated places to smoke. A bill passed unanimously Thursday by the House Commerce and Gaming Committee would legalize cigar bars and smoking rooms in tobacco shops, allowing 115 new venues to smoke pipes and cigars.

Proponents say the state would gain tax money and give users of a legal, controlled substance a place to use what they’re buying. Opponents see an immense public health concern and a betrayal of the voters who passed the smoking ban in 2005.

“It’s a bad idea,” said Rep. Eileen Cody, D-West Seattle. “They’re basically trying to get around the Clean Indoor Air Act that was supported by a wide margin.”

Cody, who chairs the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, said she plans to oppose the latest attempt to make Washington the 36th state to legalize cigar bars, possibly by bringing the bill into her committee for review.