ORDINANCE NO. _______, SERIES 2021
TITLE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 90 TO ADD AN EXEMPTION FOR CIGAR BARS (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION).
BODY
SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS PIAGENTINI AND FOX
WHEREAS, cigar smoking has a long history of cultural celebration, tradition and acknowledgement of personal freedoms;
WHEREAS, the popularity of cigars has developed a strong cigar lounge culture and are perceived as less harmful than other tobacco products, contain fewer product specific regulations, lower tax rates and higher social acceptability;
WHEREAS, cigar smoking has evolved into a social activity synonymous with horse racing and bourbonism;
WHEREAS, development of small business in a post COVID world is imperative to the economic engine that drives the city forward.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances ("LMCO") Chapter 90 is hereby amended as follows:
? 90.02 DEFINITIONS
CIGAR BAR. A business operation that generates at least 51% of its revenue from premium cigars and cigar related products such as humidors, cigar cutters, cigar cases, lighters and ashtrays. Items that do not qualify as cigar-related products include, but are not limited to, services, food, and alcohol.
PREMIUM CIGAR. To qualify as a premium cigar, a cigar must meet the following criteria:
1. Is wrapped in whole tobacco leaf;
2. Contains a 100% leaf tobacco binder;
3. Contains at least 50% (of the filler by weight) long filler tobacco (i.e., whole tobacco leaves that run the length of the cigar);
4. Is handmade or hand rolled (i.e., no machinery was used apart from simple tools, such as scissors to cut the tobacco prior to rolling);
5. Has no filter, nontobacco tip, or nontobacco mouthpiece;
6. Does not have a characterizing flavor other than tobacco;
7. Contains on...
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