The following information was pulled from CSPNet.com where the Connivence Store and Fuel News posts blog updates on legislation that could affect the tobacco industry. According to the article the following tobacco related bills are pending in either the U.S. Senete or House of Representatives. The President’s proposed budget includes a 94 cents per pack increase on the federal cigarette tax and a proportionate tax increase for OTP products such as cigars. If the budget remains […]
This year at the 2015 IPCPR in New Orleans when many retailers and manufacturers went to ship products via FedEx they were asked if the packages contained tobacco due to restrictions prohibiting the shipment of tobacco. It turns out this was a precursor for what was about to come. The Cigar Authority has reached out to IPCPR and spoke with Matt Dogali via email where it has been confirmed that starting January 1st, 2016 that […]
Often we see counties, cities, towns and municipalities raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. However, Grandview, OH has taking the measure one step further. If you are under 21 and caught smoking you will be charged with a misdemeanor. To our knowledge, Grandview, Ohio is the first city in the country that makes it illegal for the user to the point where they will have a criminal records. The measure passed by a 6-1 […]
News is traveling among industry insiders that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) intends to deliver the final Deeming Rules to the White House Office of Management & Budget next week. The news comes from the Washington “rumor mill” which is abuzz with the topic today. As a result some manufacturers have mentioned this via social media accounts and the CRA has emailed its corporate benefactors to alert them including the outline of their […]
A few weeks ago we reported that Beer Gardens had escaped a smoking ban in the state of Illinois. However, a group of lawmakers have tweaked a definition in the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. The Peoria Journal star reports that a committee tweaked the definition to ban smoking in any public place with a floor or ceiling whether or not the walls are retractable or permeable. The measure came after the Health department said the existing definition made […]
According to a report in the Daily Democrat, a licensing program for stores selling tobacco products was passed by the City Council in El Cerrito, California on Tuesday in addition to a ban on flavored tobacco. The new rules limit tobacco retailers from 1,000 feet of existing tobacco retailers and 500 feet from schools, recreation centers, parks and libraries. It also prohibits the sale of single cigars under $5.00. The new rules also prohibit self-serve […]
In August of 2014, Manhattan Beach, California banned smoking in the city. Now, the city is looking to take it one step further by banning smoking in multi-unit residences. The first reading for the measure that will ban smoking in the privacy of your own home passed its first reading on Tuesday night. The ban which prohibits smoking in common and private areas with three or more units is expected to pass its final reading […]
According to a document from the Office of the Attorney General in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state has issued new regulations that effect cigars. Effective September 25, 2015 all products must be placed out of reach of all customers and in a location only accessible by retail personal. Additionally, stores will no longer be able to give away free cigars as part of a promotion. This means that buy 3 get 1 free will cease […]
The first Latino and youngest member of the Berkeley City Council, Jeses Arreguin, a Democrat has proposed to raising smoking age on tobacco to 21. His reasoning is the increase in underage tobacco use, specifically vaping. The current age in the state is 18, and if the measure passes all forms of tobacco and tobacco products such as vape will be included in the ban. Violators will be subject to a fine and could lose their […]
According to Reuters, President Barack Obama has nominated a leading cardiologist and researcher for the position of FDA Commissioner. Dr. Robert Califf joined the FDA in January as Deputy Commissioner. Before the position becomes official Dr. Califf will go before the Senate for a confirmation hearing and industry observers do not expect him to face much opposition. If confirmed by the Senate Dr. Califf would replace Dr. Stephen Ostroff, who has served as acting commissioner […]