Weekly Cigar News Sampler: FDA Delays Cigar Regulation Deadlines, Reaction from Cigar Makers, Sean Williams Joins General Cigar, and More

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post our sampling of cigar news and other items of interest from the week. Below is our latest, which is the 529th in the series.

1) In response to multiple legal challengess, including a lawsuit brought jointly by the Cigar Association of America (CAA), Cigar Rights of America (CRA), and the International Premium Cigar and Pipes Retailers Association (IPCPR) that was filed in July 2016, the FDA on Monday agreed to push back all future tobacco regulation deadlines by 90 days. This applies to deadlines that were scheduled to hit within the next 90 days (including the date to apply for substantial equivalence), but not to deadlines that have already passed. In a press release, IPCPR CEO Mark Pursell praised the news, stating, “This is certainly good news for our retail and manufacturing community, given the nature of the rules the industry is facing, and the uncertainty they create. This gives everyone, the industry and the administration alike, time to revisit the regulation, to determine the best path forward.” Meanwhile, attorney Frank Herrera, whose boutique law firm specializes in cigar trademark and FDA compliance issues, told StogieGuys.com he thinks “the new administration is causing the FDA to be cautious and to reevaluate these deeming regulations with a fresh look. I don’t believe the deeming regulations will be wiped away. Rather, the FDA was previously shoving these regulations down our throat without any pause for reason. The arguments made in litigation are sound and demand the FDA reevaluate the regulations. Had the regulations been solid, the FDA (under any administration) would have pressed forward with summary judgment.”

2) Several notable cigar makers took to social media this week to react to the news about the FDA delay. “I know I should be happy, but I gotta admit I am kind of pissed off,” said Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT). “I just spent well over 80 man hours preparing DTT’s warning label plan submittal to comply with the original May 10 deadline! Plus $$$ on legal counsel. Our government has simply no understanding or care for the burden these type of regulations place upon us small business owners.” Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac agreed. “From where I’m sitting, not much has changed in terms of the risk and uncertainty to my business since May 2016. Clearly, there is a lot of work being done and a lot of resources being invested that may change something in the future, but a short delay nine days before a compliance deadline doesn’t help a great deal…”

3) Inside the Industry: General Cigar announced the appointment of Sean Williams as a full-time ambassador for the Cohiba brand. Williams is former owner of El Primer Mundo. “We have brought Sean on board as part of the continued expansion of our experiential platforms,” said General Cigar President Régis Broersma. “Our focus is on deepening retailer and consumer engagement around this pivotal brand in our portfolio. With Sean, we are gaining a passionate cigar maker who is also a connoisseur of the finer things in life.” El Primer Mundo will continue with Williams’ partner Will Bolling at the helm.

4) Today is Cinco de Mayo. Here’s a rundown of related content: Thoughts About Mexican Tobacco on Cinco de Mayo. Cigar Spirits: The Perfect Margarita Recipe. Cinco de Mayo Pairings with Corralejo Tequila.

5) From the Archives: Enjoying a cigar is one of life’s great, simple pleasures. Just a little technical expertise can go a long way. In that spirit, here are a few tips to help ensure you’re properly cutting your smokes.

6) Deal of the Week: The cigars are a mystery, but you do get a lot of them. They’re all name brands, not house brands or no-name bundles, and they come for less than $3 per cigar. These Grab Bags tend to sell out fast, so if you need to fill up your humidor on the cheap, act quickly.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys