A new business is the first of its kind to open in Craven County and geared toward adults aged 30 and up. 

According to fda.gov, an estimated 8.7 million adults in the U.S. currently smoke cigars.

Local businessman Kenneth Moulton will open Thirty Sumn Banquet Cigar Parlor, currently the only one in New Bern, to offer a relaxing setting for those who love to indulge in smoking their favorite cigar or enjoy a pull from the growing trend of a hookah.

The cigar parlor is located at 1503 S. Glenburnie Road, Suite C and will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday exclusively for cigar smokers. There is no charge to enter the parlor. Guests must be aged 30 and older.

Moulton is also the owner of Thirty Sumn Ultra Lounge, which he opened in November 2015. 

During hours the lounge is open, 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, the hookah lounge will be open to customers with paid admission to the lounge or they can pay a fee for the hookah lounge only. 

The cost of a hookah session will be $25 for a 30-minute session and includes tips that are used for sanitary purposes as well as your desired hookah flavors.

"I am in the process of holding a soft opening now," said Moulton. "I plan to hold a grand opening in late November that will coincide with the fifth anniversary celebration of Thirty Sumn Ultra Lounge."

The parlor has a ventilation and filtering system as well as a temperature-controlled humidor room to keep cigars fresh and prevent drying out therefore maintaining their moisture and flavor.  

Jerry Robertson of New Bern said he would be a frequent customer to the new business.

"Adding a cigar lounge to New Bern will offer an elegant atmosphere for fellow connoisseurs," he said.  "Lounges provide a place for fellow cigar lovers to relax and fellowship with each other. We learn about different cigars from each other, brands, flavors, history. Every cigar has its own story." 

Currently, the parlor has a selection of cigars ranging in price from $4 to $40. 

"I want to get an idea of what brands of cigars customers like," said Moulton. "If I don't carry what they smoke, I can order it and have it in stock within a week."

The business has an ABC permit and offers a wide variety of cognacs and other spirits desired by cigar smokers. 

Outside cigars and alcohol are not allowed.

James Woods also of New Bern said he has smoked cigars for nearly 20 years. 

"I think this is a good thing for New Bern," Woods said. "I think it's enough cigar smokers in New Bern for this to be successful, and this is something that is long overdue." 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigars are defined as a roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in a substance that contains tobacco. Cigars differ from cigarettes in that cigarettes are a roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in a substance that does not contain tobacco.

The CDC's website defines hookahs as water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, licorice, cappuccino, and watermelon.

Moulton retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 20 years of service. He has also retired from a second career as a substance abuse and mental health counselor. 

"I really just want to give people in New Bern something to do," Moulton said. "Thirty Sumn Ultra Lounge provides a safe atmosphere for those who enjoy the nightlife and want to come out and dance and have a great time, and now Thirty Sumn Banquet Cigar Parlor for those who want something a little quieter and more relaxing but still provides a place for people to conversate and interact with each other."

For more information, contact Kenneth Moulton at 252-259-7272.