In the cozy confines of a former speakeasy in Boston’s North End, men and women gather nightly to sip cognac and savor a cigar.

But these days, Stanza dei Sigari, the cigar lovers’ respite on Hanover Street, isn’t so relaxed.

On Thursday, the Boston Public Health Commission will vote on a tough smoking ban that could put this cigar bar, and others like it, out of business.

“I think it’s kind of unconstitutional, telling people not to smoke in a controlled environment,” said Linda Riccio, one of the owners of the dark-paneled saloon.

“Where will it end?” she asked. “Are they going to tell people they can’t smoke on the streets?”

The city’s health officials may expand Boston’s ban on workplace smoking by prohibiting smoking in cigar and hookah bars, on restaurant patios and loading docks.

The proposed rules seek to ban tobacco sales on college campuses and in drug stores, too.

While critics say the move goes too far, Roger Swartz, director of the health commission’s community initiatives bureau, said the new rules are intended to protect people from the ills of tobacco, in all its forms.

The proposal has sparked an outcry among cigar aficionados.

Since September, when the health commission gave preliminary approval to the new regulations, the commission has received hundreds of complaints.

Most are protesting the proposed smoking ban in cigar bars, health commission spokeswoman Ann Scales said.

To Riccio and other supporters, this ban would unnecessarily limit a beloved adult activity.

Riccio’s clients include businessmen, doctors and guys from the neighborhood.

“They come here to smoke, and they know what they are doing,” she said.

Jessica Fargen contributed to this report.

Courtesy Boston Herald

Humidor Vault

Popularity: 25% [?]