In 2015, a similar measure to raise the cigar tax in West Virginia failed. However, as we reported back in September the measure was expected to return in 2016. That time has come as Democrat Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has proposed raising the tobacco tax 42%. In his budget that was submitted to the state legislature, Tomblin called for raising the tobacco tax from 7% to 12%. If the legislature approves the budget, a cigar that has […]
Like clockwork each and every January brings the proposal of new taxes and within a lot of those proposals are taxes that could affect the cigar industry. Such is the case in New Mexico where Democrat Senator Howie Morales has proposed to raise the cigar tax a whopping 165% According to Senate Bill 77, the tax on cigars and OTP products would increase from 25% to 66% percent. The legislature is expected to vote on the […]
In West Virginia, Preston County has modified its existing smoking ban. While the old ban only prohibited smoking in restaurants, the county voted 4-1 to change that. Under the plan hotels, motels and bars are include. But the most shocking inclusion of the new ban is the governments intrusion into private clubs which now in some cases need to become smoke free. The measure was first reported by WBOY-12, a local television station.
Oettinger Davidoff AG acquires majority interest in Asia Distributor Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd. Basel/Switzerland, January 14, 2016. Following the acquisition of a 25% interest in its Asia Distributor Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd a year ago, Oettinger Davidoff AG, the worldwide leading manufacturer of premium cigars, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, announced today the acquisition of a majority interest effective January 1, 2016. Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd. will be renamed Davidoff of Geneva (Asia) Ltd. and will […]
Last year Perdomo unveiled the new Perdomo Habano Barrel Aged (say that, 10 times fast!) at the IPCPR in New Orleans. The brand replaced the old Perdomo Habano line with a new more modern look and a slight blend change that has to do mostly with a change of primings. Featuring 6 year aged Connecticut wrapper that is aged an additional 6 months inside a bourbon barrel. The cigar is rounded out with binder and […]
Earlier this week we reported that the city of Chicago was looking to add a tax to cigars. Today, Mayor Rahm Emanuel took further aim at the tobacco industry at the first City Council meeting of the year. The Democrat Mayor made numerous proposals with the Public Health Commissioner Julie Morita. In addition to the additional taxes, a proposal to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21 was made along with with a minimum pricing policy. No timetable […]
ICONIC MACANUDO BRAND LAUNCHES NEW LOOK General Cigar announced today that the company has modernized the design of its iconic Macanudo logo for the U.S. market. Beginning on January 15, 2016, Macanudo Café, Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Crü Royale and Macanudo 1968 and will feature the brand’s new look. “The Macanudo logo has evolved to a more contemporary design, and packaging has been updated for visual consistency throughout the portfolio. The changes will make Macanudo even […]
While Hammer + Sickle received accolades for their Tradition line, the Trademark Natural is one of my favorite cigars from the New England. The company which also makes Vodka original released the Trademark under the name Icon. However, due to a copyright issue they were forced to change the name. That name is Trademark which is genius if you ask me. According to the Hammer + Sickle website, “Trademark series Connecticut is the quintessential mild […]
The sale of tobacco in Illinois is illegal unless you have a license from the state. The new law requires all retailers selling any tobacco product to obtain a license from the state. The cost of which is $75.00. According to the state of Illinois, most of the fees collected will be used go after the sale of contraband tobacco. It also gives the state a way to punish those who sell to underage smokers.
The state Assembly of New Jersey passed a bill that would raise the tobacco purchase age from 19 to 21. The bill which passed by a vote of 49-20 is expected the cost the state 16.2 million dollars in taxes. In order to become a law it needs to be signed by Governor Chris Christie who is currently on the campaign trail running for President. Should the Governor sign the bill into law retailers who […]