ADAMS, Mass. — The former Rascal’s Lounge is being eyed for a cigar lounge and humidor. 

 

John Sheerin introduced himself to the Board of Health last week to present his plans for the North Summer Street building that he hopes will be a destination for cigar enthusiasts.

 

"For hundreds of years, local cigar lounges have served as a meeting place and common ground for both white-collar and blue-collar people to come together and spend a few hours together engaging in conversations and taking part in the time-honored tradition of smoking a fine cigar," Sheerin said told the board on Wednesday. 

 

Sheerin said cigar smokers are often banished to basements or back porches and there are no local establishments where enthusiasts can enjoy their hobby. 

 

"Unfortunately if I want to partake in my hobby, I have to go as far as Albany or Hudson and there are few places locally where you can purchase cigars but they are not really cigar shops," he said. 

 

Sheerin said the lounge would only allow access to those age 21 and older. He said they will not serve alcohol.

 

The board asked Sheerin if people would be able to smoke marijuana in the lounge and Sheerin responded no. He said the lounge is purely for cigar and pipe smokers. He said it is a place for premium tobacco and not even cigarettes will be allowed.

 

He plans to install plenty of ventilation in the lounge and have a clear separation between the shop and the lounge so those who may want to purchase a cigar do not have to walk through a smoke-filled room.

 

Sheerin said he plans to stock newspapers from around the country as well as televise various sporting events in the lounge.

 

"Cigars and boxing actually go together quite well," he said.

 

Sheerin said there are many enthusiasts and if there is a cigar lounge in Adams, people will come and hopefully spend money in town. 

 

"The camaraderie among cigar smokers is something that I can comfortably refer to as a sacred thing. Many of us travel great distances ... just to spend time with other enthusiasts," he said. "I'm not only looking to serve the needs of the cigar-smoking population of Adams but also establish a destination for enthusiasts from outside of our community." 

 

The Board of Health was Sheerin’s first stop and being so early in the process, board members had few comments but said they will help guide him through various town protocols. 

 

"We will look at the concept and see what else we need to know, what we need to know more of, and see what other agencies within the town government may need to be included," Board member Bruce Shepley said. "We will get back to you."

 

In other business, Building Inspector Gerald Garner informed the board that he plans to increase the standards for securing condemned buildings to arson standards.

 

"People can still get in there because all they are doing is putting plywood in the windows and doors," he said. "They can just pull back and get in and they have a place to stay for the night."

 

He said arson standards would mandate the used of 16-inch bolts, two-by-fours, and plywood that would shore up structures the town wants secured.