Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 243
17 Jun 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) The Toraño Family Cigar Company announced this week that it is now the exclusive distributor of the newly formed Sam Leccia Cigar Company. “I have always had great respect and admiration for the Toraño family,†said Leccia, who made his mark on the industry with the creation of Nub in 2008. “Their expertise and history in growing tobacco and manufacturing great cigars is well known. Since their announcement last year whereby they took back control of the distribution of their brands, it’s clear that Toraño is focused on expanding its distribution company and providing tobacconists with the service and cigars they deserve.†Leccia’s first release, “Debut,†will be a blend from Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, and Santo Domingo.
2) It was always unclear how a new Maryland law that criminalizes the shipment of cigars by out-of-state retailers to the state’s residents would be enforced. But now, according to the Baltimore Sun, “Comptroller Peter Franchot says he doesn’t want to enforce the prohibition on Internet sales of premium cigars that took effect May 1…When out-of-state cigar dealers told Maryland customers about the change last month, smokers fired back, bombarding Franchot with emails. The comptroller quickly said he didn’t intend buyers of high-end cigars to fall under the restriction and started talking to legislators about fixing the statute.†The penalty for violation of the law is $50 per package and up to two years in prison.
3) Inside the Industry: Cuba reportedly produced 81.5 million cigars last year, up 8% over 2009. “My Uzi Weighs a Ton” is a new cigar by Drew Estate made at the Joya de Nicaragua factory that will be out for this year’s trade show; its three sizes will retail for $9-12 each. (more…)
1) Lawmakers in Connecticut have passed legislation that caps the excise tax on premium cigars at 50 cents per cigar. Once Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signs the bill, Connecticut will become the seventh state to adopt a cigar tax cap (the others being Iowa, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin). “After six and a half hours of debate, the House voted, 83 to 63, on a mostly party line vote,†reports the 
1) The generosity of the cigar community knows no bounds, and that charitable spirit is in fine display in the wake of the deadliest tornado season in 50 years. The Montecristo Relief Organization, established in 1999 by Altadis after devastating hurricanes swept through the Caribbean, is donating $25,000 in vital aid to the victims of last month’s tornado in Joplin, Missouri. It is also matching the first $75,000 donated by Altadis employees, vendors, and customers. If you’d like to contribute, you can send a check to: Montecristo Relief Organization, Joplin Tornado Relief, c/o Altadis U.S.A., PO Box 407179, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33340.
1) A bill is moving its way through the Nevada legislature that would decriminalize smoking in bars that serve food and are only open to patrons over the age of 21. Its supporters cite a 17% 
1) Following this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, the show will move to Orlando in 2012. Jeff Borysiewicz, IPCPR Board Member and owner of Orlando’s 
1) Passed one year ago, a ban on the direct shipment of cigars to consumers in Maryland went into effect on May 1. In an email alert dated May 9, Craig Reynolds of Cigars International, an Internet retailer based in Pennsylvania, wrote, “Unbelievable as it may seem, Maryland legislators took away your right to choose where you buy your cigars. We at Cigars International, like many others in the cigar industry, believe this to be an un-American affront to freedom—and will increase the cost of a cigar to you.†Reynolds went on to encourage cigar enthusiasts to contact 
1) Politicians in Louisiana are mulling a bill that would increase the state excise tax on cigars by 50%. “Higher taxes on tobacco products will only drive whatever business is left into the hands of Internet, out-of-state, mail-order merchants and criminals who do not pay taxes to Louisiana and do not employ Louisiana’s citizens,†said Chris McCalla, legislative director of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association. “Of the 57 excise tax increases that states implemented between 2003 and 2007, only 16 met or exceeded revenue targets. New Jersey, for example, increased its cigarette tax in 2006 and instead of gaining a projected $30 million in revenue, the state lost over $22 million.â€
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