Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CLIX

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) New York City bureaucrats, not satisfied with the metropolis’ six-year-old indoor ban, now hope to criminalize outdoor smoking in parks and beaches. Backed by anti-tobacco zealots and the City Council speaker, the measure would outlaw cigar enjoyment in 1,700 parks and 14 miles of shoreline in the Big Apple. Even the New York Times reports that the proposal “might be going just a step too far…on the road to a nanny state.”

2) Enjoy lighting up in a rental car on vacation or a business trip? Well, steer clear of Avis and Budget. These two companies’ North American fleets will go smoke-free next month and impose $250 charges on customers who violate their policies.

3) Inside the Industry: Altadis says it is pleased with the conviction of Lauro Perez for creating what he called “Cuban Replica” cigars.  The counterfeiting conviction held because  Perez was found to be violating the U.S. trademarks owned by Altadis, including Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and Trinidad. Responding to the conviction, Eric Workman, Altadis’ senior vice president of marketing, said, “These are important victories for Altadis U.S.A., its distributors and consumers, as well as the entire industry.”

4) Around the Blogs: Regular Guy reviews a Centro Fino Sungrown. Cigar Inspector looks at an El Rey del Mundo RE Francia.  Keepers of the Flame lights up a Condega Corojo 1999. Stogie Review torches up a J. Fuego Corojo 777.

5) Deal of the Week: Sometimes a mild smoke is just what you need and, when that’s the case, this “Smooth and Mild Sampler” will hit the spot. For just $40 you get two each from Rocky Patel Connecticut, CAO Gold, La Princessa, 5 Vegas Gold, and Macanudo.  Grab yours here.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr