Stogie News: Anti-Cigar Legislation Round-Up
3 Mar 2011
State legislatures all around the country are in session, and that means cigar rights are in danger. From coast to coast, bills are being considered that would curb the rights of cigar smokers. Fortunately, Cigar Rights of America and the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association are keeping cigar smokers updated. Here are a few of the bills from around the country to watch out for:
California is considering a bill that would ban smoking statewide in all indoor locations except private residences. SB 575 would ban smoking in all retail tobacco businesses, private clubs, hotel lobbies, bars, taverns, banquet rooms, warehouse facilities, and employee break rooms.
Kentucky is considering a bill to ban smoking in all indoor locations except private residences. Polls show Kentucky residents are evenly split on the proposed legislation.
Indiana is considering a bill that would ban smoking nearly everywhere, including cigar bar. While current cigar shops are exempt, future shops may not be.
Nebraska legislators are considering a bill (LB 436) that would severely increase the price of cigars. The bill would boost the wholesale tax on cigars and other premium tobacco products by 225%.
Maryland is considering two bills that would dramatically increases the cost of cigars. If both bills pass, tobacco excise taxes would increase by 500%.
Texas is considering a state-wide ban on smoking. The bill, introduced by a Dallas-area Republican (demonstrating that anti-Cigar Rights legislation is bipartisan), would prohibit smoking in indoor areas of most businesses, health care facilities, and sporting venues.
Washington is considering HB 1246, which would limit cigar smokers’ choices and make tobacco sales less consumer-friendly. The bill bans the sale of any tobacco that has a “distinguishable flavor or aroma other than tobacco”, including flavored or infused cigars, such as Acid, and flavored pipe tobacco. The bill would force tobacco to be kept behind a counter at most tobacco retailers, though dedicated cigar shops appear to be exempt.
As you can see, anti-cigar legislation is moving all around the country. It is critical that lawmakers hear from their constituents if these measures are to be defeated. And this is just a small selection of pending legislation. To keep up-to-date on all the anti-cigar legislation in your area, we recommend subscribing to updates from the CRA and constantly monitoring the IPCPR legislation page.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Don't these people have anything better to do.
From all I have seen and read, more states are trying to pass legislation making the thought of smoking illegal. Unless, you are smoking hippie lettuce for medicinal purposes. The anti-smoking zealots are trying to out victim every group at the top of the victim food chain.