TIFTON — City council has greenlit the operation of a cigar lounge in Downtown Tifton.

The approval has granted applicant and councilman Lester Cromer a conditional use permit that would allow him to open his cigar lounge, “Downtown on Main,” as a business on Main Street.

At the suggestion of city attorney Rob Wilmot, council members have set a list of conditions upon the business, which they negotiated with Cromer.

Once the lounge opens, it will maintain hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, prohibit private rentals, ensure its doors remain closed at all times, and allow only patrons that are at least 21 or older.

Cromer had initially set the minimum age at 25, but in response to questions about what the process would be if he desired to change it in the future, decided to reduce the age to 21. The councilman also promised to ensure noise levels would remain within existing ordinances

Council members were unable to hold quorum on the item at their previous meeting due to the absence of two members and Cromer’s personal involvement in the affair, but did hear voices of both opposition and support for the development, as well as an overview from Cromer of his plan for the business, including an air filtration system and partnerships with local restaurants.

A handful of residents once again spoke on the business on both sides at the most recent meeting during public comments.

Following the decision, both councilman Josh Reynolds and councilman M. Jay Hall expressed both support for the project, appreciative something was being done to reinvigorate Downtown Tifton, and understanding for its opposition and the concerns they had raised.

Cromer also thanked everyone who had spoken their mind on the development, both for and against, for their insight.