Cigar Lounge Legislation

Bridging Cigar Lounges and Cannabis Reform in Wisconsin: Challenges and Opportunities

Wisconsin’s Assembly Bill 451 (AB 451), introduced by Representative Nate Gustafson and supported by bipartisan co-sponsors, seeks to open the door for new cigar lounges after more than a decade of restrictions. The current law limits cigar lounges to businesses established before 2009, leaving new entrepreneurs locked out of this niche market. AB 451 seeks to lift this limitation, allowing new cigar lounges to operate if cigars and pipe tobacco contribute at least 15% of their gross revenue. While the bill focuses on cigar bars, it highlights broader regulatory disparities that could impact cannabis reform advocates seeking to establish regulated consumption lounges.

Cigar Lounges as a Precedent for Cannabis Spaces

AB 451 provides a framework for addressing public health, licensing, and economic concerns related to indoor smoking. Advocates for cannabis reform see an opportunity to use this legislation as a model for regulated cannabis consumption spaces. This is particularly relevant as Wisconsin remains one of the few states where recreational cannabis remains illegal, despite the growing availability of hemp-derived THC products such as Delta-8 and Delta-9 beverages.

While these psychoactive drinks are widely sold under the federal hemp law, public spaces for cannabis or hemp smoking are still prohibited. By demonstrating how regulated cigar lounges balance consumer demand and public safety, cannabis advocates could argue for similar spaces tailored to their industry​

Bipartisan Support and Legislative Challenges

The bipartisan backing for AB 451 includes Representatives C. Anderson, Armstrong, Behnke, Binsfeld, Bodden, Brandtjen, Callahan, Dallman, Donovan, Green, Gundrum, S. Johnson, Kitchens, Madison, Melotik, Plumer, Pronschinske, Rettinger, Schmidt, Schraa, Sortwell, Steffen, and Wichgers, as well as Senators Knodl, Nass and Tomczyk (Wanggaard withdrew his co-sponsorship shortly after the bill was introduced)​.

Notably, Shae Sortwell’s co-sponsorship stands out, given his previous engagement with cannabis advocates.

Sortwell has demonstrated a degree of openness to cannabis reform. While many of the Republican co-sponsors of AB 451 remain skeptical or outright opposed to cannabis legalization, Sortwell has participated in discussions around decriminalization and has attended events I organized. His willingness to engage directly with cannabis advocates signals a potential avenue for bipartisan dialogue​.

Nate Gustafson’s Role

Rep. Nate Gustafson’s involvement adds a critical dimension to this legislative effort. I organized a Pizza, Pot, and Politics event and Gustafson spent over an hour engaging with cannabis consumers and stakeholders. His participation illustrates the potential for lawmakers to bridge divides and explore policies that address the needs of diverse constituents​.

Economic and Social Impacts

The parallels between cigar and cannabis lounges extend beyond policy. Both industries promise:

• Economic Growth: New lounges create jobs, attract tourism, and generate tax revenue.
• Consumer Safety: Regulated spaces reduce public consumption and ensure responsible use.
• Normalization: Recognizing adult-only venues for cigar smoking could pave the way for cannabis lounges, helping reduce stigma around cannabis use​.

Moving Forward

Although AB 451 did not pass in the 2023-24 session, it represents an opportunity not just for cigar enthusiasts but also for cannabis reform advocates and is expected to return again next session as Gustafson (R) was re-elected to his Assembly Seat. By aligning the push for new cigar bars with the broader goal of establishing cannabis consumption lounges, Wisconsin can move toward a more equitable regulatory framework. Highlighting the engagement of co-sponsors like Gustafson and Sortwell, while addressing the skepticism of others, offers a pathway for advancing both industries.

This dialogue marks an important step in modernizing Wisconsin’s policies and addressing disparities in how adult-use products are regulated. Advocates must continue to emphasize the shared benefits of these spaces while working to build bipartisan coalitions for reform.

sources: halfwheel, Barrel Burner Reviews, Wisconsin Legislative Documents, CigarAficionado, UrbanMilwaukee, PCA