Reopening Michigan Cigar Lounges

This week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services arbitrarily and suddenly issued a proclamation banning smoking in cigar lounges throughout the state. They did this using COVID-19 as the motivating factor, even as cases have fallen to their lowest levels since October 2020. Violations are punishable by a $200 fine, with a possible civil violation carrying a $1,000 fine for each additional violation – even if social distancing guidelines are followed. This is a direct attack on Michigan small businesses and their patrons using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to advance an anti-smoking agenda, unrelated to the pandemic. There is NO causal link between enjoying cigars using social distancing protocols, and the spread of COVID-19.