Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CCXXIII
28 Jan 2011
As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.
1) Lawmakers in Minnesota introduced House File No. 188, which would provide modest yet much-needed relief from the state’s restrictive smoking ban. If passed, the law would grant an exemption for bars that meet certain ventilation regulations and have separate dining areas. “This is a step in the right direction,†reads a CRA press release. “The bill is currently in the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee. We hope you let committee members know of your support.â€
2) We finally have a Facebook page, where you can interact with other readers, comment on discussions, and more. Also, be sure to join our Facebook group, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter.
3) Cigar Rights Alerts: New Mexico politicians proposed a bill that would boost the state’s cigar tax from 25% to 57%. The Indiana House endorsed a statewide smoking ban, but other legislative hurdles have yet to be cleared. A Nebraska judge declared the state’s smoking ban exemption for cigar bars and cigar shops to be unconstitutional, on the grounds it is “special legislation†for a specific group.
4) Around the Blogs: Tiki Bar smokes the Drew Estate Liga Privada JD4. A Cigar Smoker reviews the Davidoff 2000. Cigarfan enjoys the Toraño Single Region Serie Jalapa. Cigar Inspector evaluates the Ashton VSG Enchantment. Smoking Stogie fires up a Punch Serie d’Oro No. 1.
5) Deal of the Week: Famous Smoke Shop is offering free UPS ground shipping when you buy any box or bundle from almost 200 brands, including Tatuaje, 601, Perdomo, Oliva, Rocky Patel, La Flor Dominicana, CAO, Davidoff, Pinar del Rio, and more. Click here to peruse the possibilities.
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Wait, so the judge declared the ability to smoke in cigar bars unconstitutional?? Did I read that right? So what would that mean then, that there should be no place to smoke then?
mighty-
Yes, the judge said that the exemption in the smoking ban for cigar bars violates the state constitution. That means the exemption is no longer law and it would be illegal for cigar bars to allow smoking. (Why that strikes down just the exemption and not the entire smoking ban bill, is a question I don't understand. Perhaps smoking ban advocates included a severability clause in the law.)
However, I just heard from the IPCPR which has filed an appeal of the judges decision. This is good news for two reasons: (1) Hopefully the ruling will be reversed on appeal. (2) While that appeal is pending, cigar bars will be able to operate as if the exemption is still legal.
If smoking is allowed inside than throwing cat crap on a burning tire should be allowed too. Smells the same.
According to the ruling against special legislation for non-special groups, Nebraska should be worried about almost every law in their books that exempts unique groups, businesses, etc … laws therefore should apply to everyone equally, according to the judge, no matter what situation or circumstances.
Interestingly enough, if you read that last part stand-alone, that makes perfect sense. It is all the exemptions and "special cases" that tend to annoy most people.
As the old law adage goes, "Hard cases make bad law".
Thanks for linking to Barry's Davidoff 2000 review. Next time I'm in DC/NoVA – I'd love to cut and light with you guys!