The Metropolitan Planning Commission has recommended approval on a special use permit for a hookah lounge on West 7th Street in Junction City.

Planning and Zoning Director Troy Livingston said it’s technically a tobacco shop, which will allow them to smoke indoors under Kansas law. “They’re calling it a hookah shop. Supposed to be more of a high end social gathering place for people to discuss politics, events of the day, whatever. ”

He said it will also be an entertainment venue. “They’re going to have open mic night, comedy nights, live music sometimes I guess, acoustic. ” Livingston said the music is expected to be of a subdued variety. “But they’ll have high end tobacco for you to purchase and smoke out of a hookah.”

The special use permit must still go to the Junction City Commission for final approval.