Opening a Cigar Lounge

[MurphysLaw]

Put the no cigarette smoking sign in the ladies room, if anyone complains you can direct them to the cigarette free zone

[JohnRogers]

Originally Posted by MurphysLaw

Put the no cigarette smoking sign in the ladies room, if anyone complains you can direct them to the cigarette free zone

LOL...Thank you all for chiming in I appreciate the very much!

[ApexAZ]

There are cig smokers in my lounge all the time. I have no issues with it. I can't think of a time where I ever smelled it.

I think the more foot traffic, the better. Especially if serving alcohol, as others pointed out.

Good luck!

[TJtorpedo]

First of all, I commend you brother for opening a lounge and doing something you love. Best of luck!

Second, the alcohol might draw some cig smokers, but if your establishment is primarily known for cigars, I wouldn't worry too much. Like others have said, you probably dont want to exclude groups of folks, but you can always curtail it after the fact if the cigarettes get out of hand. It's ironic, but I typically get dirty looks from cig smokers when I'm lighting a cigar, so you'll want to make sure you cater to the cigar smokers. Just my observation.

[stevef2005]

Down here at the B&M I frequent in OKC they do allow cigarette smoking. They dont sell you Marlboros and Winstons but they sell natural cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco to roll your own. Most folks who hangout though dont have issues if some lights up.

Let me know when things are up and running too. Long overdue for that OK herf. What better place than ur place!!

[shilala]

Originally Posted by stevef2005

...but they sell natural cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco to roll your own.

That's just plain smart. Especially if they sell all the gear, too.

[Gabe215]

Oh and all that E cig and vapor stuff sells real well also! Should probably look into all that as well!

[JohnRogers]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

Oh and all that E cig and vapor stuff sells real well also! Should probably look into all that as well!

I was planning on welcoming the E-Cig/Vapor folks.

Jamie, thanks for some of the salty snack suggestions. I didn't think about the pop-corn machine.

More opinions on ventilation from your experience please.

[stevef2005]

Originally Posted by shilala

That's just plain smart. Especially if they sell all the gear, too.

They do!!

[JohnRogers]

I'm going to get slightly off-topic for a moment. I have entered a business grant competition. A full service cigar lounge requires a significant investment to get started. Winning this grant competition will be a big help.

How do I increase the odds of winning for my dream?
Get the word out! Use your social media networks, word of mouth marketing, and other creative marketing ideas to encourage others to vote for your business.

So if you have a Facebook account please consider voting daily through Oct 17th. Click the link below. You'll also get a better idea of what Denise and I are opening later this fall.
http://www.dreambigoklahoma.com/entr....aspx?entry=91

Thanks in advance!

[baust55]

Here in Nebraska there is no public smoking allowed anywhere .....but a few B&M and cigar lounges have an exception ,the law dose not allow cigarettes just cigars .

[jhedrick83]

The lounges I have been to in TN don't have any restrictions on cigarette smoking and I personally have never smelled them when people have lit up. Like others have said, I would try to encourage as much foot traffic as possible. I wish you the best of luck and post up some pictures as you go!

[CigarNut]

The lounges in Oregon only allow cigars -- cigarettes and pipes (and vaping) are specifically not allowed as they are considered "chemically treated" tobaccos.

[mosesbotbol]

You're are crazy if you have a sign turning away any business. Making a profit on a cigar lounge is hard enough and turn away anyone is crazy. Most cigar lounges have so much ventilation that it could toxic fumes and you can barely smell it.

You should be thinking more on the lines of "how can I get everyone around smokers or not into my lounge?" Think of ways to broaden the appeal beyond than a place to smoke cigars.

[JohnRogers]

Thanks everyone for chiming in, this has been helpful.

Originally Posted by stevef2005

Down here at the B&M I frequent in OKC they do allow cigarette smoking. They dont sell you Marlboros and Winstons but they sell natural cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco to roll your own...Long overdue for that OK herf. What better place than ur place!!

Steve what B&M do you frequent? I get down that OKC way quite often.

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

You should be thinking more on the lines of "how can I get everyone around smokers or not into my lounge?" Think of ways to broaden the appeal beyond than a place to smoke cigars.

Moses, the plan to broaden appeal which will work in my city, is the jazz aspect of the lounge. The BOTL and walk-in humidor will always be the number one focus but the place will also be the town's only dedicated jazz venue. Which is why the ventilation system is something I spend a lot time considering.

So next topic, what ventilation systems work or don't work at the B&M lounge you frequent?

[stevef2005]

Originally Posted by JohnRogers

Steve what B&M do you frequent? I get down that OKC way quite often.

Tobacco Exchange off 63rd and May. Ill PM you some contact info for me.

[E.J.]

Congrats on your new venture! I wish you all the best and success!

[Shaneg]

I would maybe let the staff tell the customers it's 'allowed' but frowned apon, and leave it at that- cigars are one of the last refuges from this don't do this dont do that world we live in, I would hate to see any signage of that sort at the local tobacconist, despite not liking the smell myself.

[czerbe]

I saw good luck, and while I'm not a fan of cig. smoke, I think you will have a hard time with it. I say let it go and take the business.

[jhedrick83]

I was just getting on to make a ventilation post and saw you asked about it. My biggest gripe with my local B&Ms is that they don't have nearly enough ventilation. It's sufficient if there are just a couple guys in there smoking, but evenings and weekends, forget it. To be honest I avoid the local B&Ms when I want to relax and enjoy a smoke or catch a game. When it looks like Snoop Dogg's car inside and your eyes start to itch and burn, the appeal is gone. I'm far from afraid of a smoky environment but it seems like some of these places don't even try. That's probably my #1 concern when it comes to a lounge. #2 would be TVs and comfy chairs laid out in a way that it is easy to watch the TV if you so desire.