LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed a bill designed to keep the state’s cigar bars in business.

The new law approved Thursday authorizes cigar smoking in licensed establishments. It was introduced after the Nebraska Supreme Court struck down a 2009 law that allowed patrons to smoke cigars in cigar bars and shops.

Before the August ruling, indoor smoking was allowed in cigar bars, hotel guest rooms and tobacco-only retailers.

The law by Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill makes clear that state lawmakers intended to create a legal exemption for those establishments so they could continue to operate. It’s written so it will stand up to the court’s review.