Maryland Legislature Introduces Bill To Remove Cigar Tax

In Maryland Bill SB 826 has introduced by Republican Senator Andrew Serafini (District 2, Washington County) that would remove the tax on premium cigars. The synopsis of the bill states, “Exempting certain premium cigars that are to be sold in the State from the tobacco tax.” Currently the state sees cigars taxed at 15% of the wholesale price. A fiscal policy on the measure stated the state would lose 2.8 million in taxes if the tax […]

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Maine Legislators Introduce Bill To Raise Tobacco Tax 305%

The state of Maine has seen House Bill LD 1028 introduced that seeks to raise the tobacco tax on cigars 305%. In the state of Maine cigars are currently taxed at a rate of 20% of the wholesale price, the new proposal would change that to 81%. Under the new bill a cigar with an MSRP of $10.00 which currently retails in Maine at $12.00 would climb to an insane $18.10. The bill is sponsored […]

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Louisiana Sees Introduction of Tobacco 21 Bill

While the Louisiana legislative branch won’t meet again until Monday April 8th, Republican State Representative Frank Hoffman from District 15 has filed House Bill 38. The bill which is expected to be taken up in that session seeks to raise the tobacco purchase age in the state to 21. The bill  has been provisionally referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. HB38 on Scribd

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Montecristo Nicaragua Series Toro Cigar Review

On the March 2nd, 2019 episode of The Cigar Authority we welcomed to the show Brad Winstead, the Head of Consumer Marketing for Altadis USA. In the first hour of the show we lit up the Montecristo Nicaragua Series which was part of the care package. As has become customary we offer up a full review of the cigar. Cigar Review: Montecristo Nicaragua Series Wrappr: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Length: 6″ Ring Gauge: 54 Size: Toro The Look: The Montecristo Nicaragua Series features […]

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VODCast: Brad Winstead, Montecristo Nicaragua & Barry’s Birthday!

It’s a party as we are joined by the Head of Consumer Marketing for Altadis USA, Brad Winstead as we fire up a cigar from the March Care Package. We will discuss and smoke the Montecristo Nicaragua Series. We will look at the footprint of Altadis and discuss the cigars within their portfolio and perhaps get a sneak peek at what is coming this year. In the second hour the celebration continues as Barry turns […]

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Crowned Heads The Angel’s Anvil 2019 Announced

It’s that time of year when information about TAA releases begin to emerge. The Tobacconist Association of America is a group of retailers and manufacturers that gather each year in the early Spring. At the mini-trade show/networking event about a dozen or so exclusive releases are unveiled and one of the most notable releases each year comes from Crowned Heads. According to an email from Miguel Schoedel, this year Crowned Heads is once again teaming […]

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Texas Lawmakers Propose Bill To Raise Tobacco Age to 21

The state of Texas has seen the proposal of HB 749 which would raise the tobacco possession age to 21 and would also require retailers to request ID from anyone under 30 years of age. The bill currently has nine sponsors including Rep. John Zerwas (R-28), Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-141), Rep. J.D. Sheffield (R-59), Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-103), Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-130). Rep. Gina Calanni (D-132), Rep. Jessica Farrar (D-148), Rep. Eddie Lucio III (D-38) […]

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Delaware Joins Tobacco 21 Movement With Bill Proposal

The state of Delaware has joined the ranks of states looking to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. SB25 would restrictsaccess to tobacco products and tobacco substitutes to individuals under age 21 by doing all of the following: 1. Prohibits sales of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes to individuals who are under 21. 2. Imposes a civil penalty for sales to individuals between the ages of 18 and 21. 3. Repeals the ability of a […]

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New Hampshire Cigar Tax Bill Defeated

In January 2019 a bill was proposed in the New Hampshire Legislature by Representative Timothy Horrigan (D-Strafford) that sought to create a tax on premium cigars at the rate of 65.03 percent of the wholesale price. On the morning of February 27, 2019 a voice vote was held in the New Hampshire Senate where House Bill 438 was defeated 293-58. All 53 votes in favor of the tax were made by Democrat. A full list of […]

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Tennessee Introduces Bill to Raise Tobacco Age

The state of Tennessee has seen a bill introduced by State Senator Rosalind Kurita (I-22) that would raise the tobacco age in the state from 18 to 21. In addition the new bill would make tobacco possession for those under 21 a Class C Misdemeanor. In the state, a Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to a $50 fine. In an article that appeared in the MTSU […]

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