Debate Deepens Over Proposed Cigar Lounge at DTW Airport

November 5, 2025

The Wayne County Airport Authority's proposal to open a cigar lounge at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has sparked significant opposition nearly a year after its introduction. The Wayne County Commission recently passed a resolution against the plan, joined by Michigan House representatives who argue it would reverse 15 years of smoke-free protections that have been in place since 2010. Public health organizations and airport employees have overwhelmingly opposed the lounge, citing worker safety concerns and health risks from secondhand smoke, with polling showing 77% of Michigan voters against the idea.

Who is affected

Airport employees (over 18,000 workers at DTW)
Travelers passing through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (tens of millions annually)
Wayne County residents and the broader Michigan community
The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA)
Black consumers and workers (specifically identified by health organizations as being disproportionately targeted)
Michigan taxpayers and voters
Local businesses with interest in the cigar lounge opportunity
Wayne County Commissioners
Michigan House Representatives (Young, Rheingans, MacDonell, Morgan, and Weiss)
Public health organizations including Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Center for Black Health and Equity, and African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council

What action is being taken

The Wayne County Commission has passed a resolution formally opposing the cigar lounge proposal
Michigan House Representatives have introduced House Resolution No. 200 urging the WCAA to halt its plans
Public health organizations are speaking out against the proposal through joint letters and public statements
Nearly 100 written comments have been submitted to the WCAA, mostly urging maintenance of the smoke-free policy
The WCAA is reviewing public input as it moves forward with its solicitation process

Why it matters

This debate represents a critical decision point for balancing economic interests against public health protections that have been in place for 15 years. The outcome will affect the health and safety of over 18,000 airport workers who would potentially face secondhand smoke exposure, as well as millions of travelers annually passing through one of the nation's busiest airports. The decision carries symbolic weight as DTW serves as a highly visible representation of the community's values and commitment to worker protection and health equity. Additionally, the resolution could set a precedent that either maintains Michigan's progress in tobacco control or potentially opens the door for the tobacco industry to further target vulnerable populations, particularly the Black community. With 77% of Michigan voters opposing the lounge and over 1,700 nonsmokers dying annually from secondhand smoke exposure in the state, the decision has broad public health implications beyond just airport operations.

What's next

The airport authority is expected to review public input as it moves forward with its solicitation process for the cigar lounge opportunity. However, no final decision has been made on whether to proceed with or abandon the proposal.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle