The official motto of the state of New Hampshire is “Live Free or Die” and while I’ve heard many jokes and jabs directed at the seriousness of that motto I’m relieved to see that it hasn’t been forgotten by the men and women in the legislature. On March 5th, the house passed an amendment to the 2007 Indoor Smoking Act that would provide an exemption for cigar bars.

The Indoor Smoking Act extended the statewide smoking prohibitions to include restaurants and bars. Tobacconists were already excused from having to send their customers outside, but there were no such exemptions for businesses that also sold food and spirits. The ammendment was sponsored by both Democratic and Republican representatives that would provide an exemption to businesses that generate 60 percent of their income from the sale of tobacco and tobacco-related products. These businesses would then be permitted to obtain a liquor license, so long as they comply with the current law that requires they also sell food.

The next move is up to the state senate and looks like it will probably pass there as well. If passed the amendment would become effective Jan 1, 2009.