You can now add Maryland to the growing list of states that have raised the tobacco purchase age to 21. On Monday May 13th, Maryland Republican Governor signed a bill raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in the state to 21-years-old with an exemption for active members the military. HB 1169 passed the House with a vote of 101-35 and the Senate with a vote of 32-13. The new law goes into effect October […]
Can cigars be good for you? We believe they are and this week will will tell you the reasons why cigars are good for you. David, Mr. J, Barry and Ed will discuss the benefits of smoking cigars as we fire up a couple of cigars. In the first hour we will light up a cigar from the care package, La Gianna Havana Maduro Churchill and look at the perception of packaging changes and if […]
Back in February 2019 the Arkansas legislature proposed a Tobacco 21 bill called HB 1980. That bill has passed the house by a vote of 31-1 and the Senate 66-9. The new bill bans the purchase of all tobacco products to those under 21 years old while providing an exemption to members of the military and smokers who turn 19 prior to the law taking effect on September 1, 2019. Arkansas is set to become […]
Everyone returns to their rightful seats this week in the aftermath of last weeks chaotic show. This week we look at building a new cigar brand for the long terms as we sit down with Mo Maali as we talk about his brand Patina Cigars. We will sit down and talk with him as we discuss the challenges of building a new brand for the long term in today’s market and the regulations facing the […]
Earlier this year the legislative body of Vermont took up a tobacco 21 bill for 5th consecutive year. This time the Tobacco 21 bill passed the house by a vote of 124-14 after passing in the Senate. The bill now heads to the desk of Republican Governor Phil Scott who is expected to sign the bill pending a review. The new law will go into effect on September 1st, 2019. Under the new law selling […]
The state of Florida saw a bill that would raise the tobacco purchase age in the Sunshine state from 18 to 21 earlier this year. House Speaker Jose Oliva stated the House won’t pass the proposal after the Senate signed off on bill SB 1618. The bill which had the backing of JUUL labs which is partial owned by Altria the parent company of Nat Sherman contained a provision that would have prevented local governments […]
According to a press release from the Government of Canada, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced new regulations for plain and standardized appearance of tobacco packages and products will begin to come into force on November 9, 2019. According to the press release, “These packages and products are powerful promotional vehicles. Reducing the appeal of tobacco products is an important step toward protecting Canadians, particularly youth, from inducements to using tobacco products […]
Each year the nation’s top retailers and manufacturers gather for a mini-convention to discuss the issues facing the cigar industry while consumers are focussed on the limited edition cigars that come from the meetings, known as TAA Exclusives. For fans of Tatuaje it is Christmas in May as their 2019 TAA Release is out now. Being a fan of the yearly release I couldn’t wait so I grabbed one right out of my box, right […]
In a statement on Imperial Brands website, the parent company of Altadis USA has announced they plan to sell their premium cigar business. According to the statement, “Imperial Brands PLC (“Imperial”) today confirms its intention to sell its worldwide premium cigar business (“Premium Cigars”) as part of its divestment programme. The programme supports Imperial’s ongoing simplification agenda and will release capital to pay down debt and, where appropriate, invest in its growth agenda. Premium Cigars […]
United Cigars has announced the releases of the new look of La Gianna Havana after 25 years on the market. Like Cinderella getting ready for the Ball, La Gianna has torn away her old threads to reveal the woman within. To commemorate this milestone and celebrate La Gianna’s 25th Anniversary this year United Cigars looked no further than its front step. Featuring a sophisticated new art work designed by Selected Tobaccos own Nelson Alfonso, winner […]