The Nebraska Liquor Commission on Friday rejected an application by an Omaha establishment hoping to operate a hookah bar under a provision that created an exemption to Nebraska's smoke-free worksites law for what have been called cigar bars, according to the Omaha World Herald.
Nebraska's smoke-free worksites law requires that indoor worksites be smoke-free. It allows the following exemptions: LB355 was passed in 2009. This law provides an additional exception to the Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act for businesses that qualify as cigar bars. Such businesses may not permit the smoking of cigarettes.
Oasis hookah bar has been operating in Omaha, claiming that it's operating under the tobacco-only retailers exemption. Owner Jesse Hill said he was seeking a cigar bar license so that he can sell bottled water, fruit juices and other drinks while allowing his customers to smoke indoors. He has said that he intends to not serve alcohol.
“If there was any other way to get around this that was less costly, I would definitely pursue that,” Hill was quoted by the Omaha World Herald. “We're just trying to expand our business the only way we can.”
- up to 20 percent of hotel rooms;
- tobacco-only retailers defined as a “store that sells only tobacco and products directly related to tobacco. Products directly related to tobacco do not include alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, candy, groceries or gasoline;”
- facilities researching the health effects of smoking; and
- private residences, except when a residence is being used as a licensed child care program.
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