Legislation
NATIONAL CIGAR SMOKING LEGISLATION INFORMATION
If you have been keeping up with the cigar industry and the FDA you are well aware that things had started to look pretty bad for the future in many ways. However, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the Commissioner of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced that the FDA will reexamine the treatment of premium cigars under the FDA's present regulations. Stay tuned. Things might be looking up.
Having said that however, there was a recent report published that brings potential bad news again. The Public Heath, Financial and Employment Impacts of Excluding Handmade Cigars from Coverage by FDA's Final Rule. A study prepared by Dr. David Zorn with Mangum Economics (a Virginia based firm that concentrates on producing analysis of various government policies in an objective way), said "using FDA's own cost estimates, the regulations will likely cause 85 to 90 percent of domestic cigar manufacturers and importers to go out of business, leading to the loss of over 3,500 U.S. manufacturing jobs and almost 1,800 jobs at U.S. importers." Zorn went on to point out that the FDA's own estimates state that manufacturers and importers would have to pay more than $225,000 a year to comply with the FDA's Final Rule. This would result in a huge reduction in cigars because the Final Rule would make the production of cigars cost prohibitive and unprofitable. Zorn said "The expected reduction in the number of handmade cigars on the market due to the Final Rule is also likely to cause the closure of approximately 500 tobacco retailers and the loss of as many as 19,800 jobs." It is information like this that warrants all of us to do our part at vocalizing our concerns and promoting the industry's well being in a legislative way. PLEASE SPEAK UP! Please take the time to visit the Cigar Rights of America website to learn about the details of the FDA's announcement and sign the petition asking members of Congress to support the exemption of premium cigars from the currently planned regulations. For more information and help with contacting your legislators directly, please visit the CRA website today: www.cigarrights.org |
STATE CIGAR SMOKING LEGISLATION INFORMATION
KANSAS STATE LEGISLATION:
As most of you know Kansas has joined the ranks of so many other states in our country that have placed smoking bans upon us. It is important that we not lose our voice in this ongoing debate, even though so much legislation has already been put into place. Now more than ever do we need to be supportive of the businesses in our nation that still provide a place for us to enjoy a good cigar. If you are residing in a state that has not imposed bans on you, be vigilant about keeping up with what is happening legislatively. Wherever you live, if you have still have places to enjoy your cigars then get to them and get to them often. Show these business owners that you support them in their efforts to provide a smoking venue for you and your friends. KANSAS PREMIUM CIGAR COALITION FORMED:
Recently a coalition has been formed for cigar smokers across the state of Kansas. This coalition is made up of Retailers, Corporate Sponsors from Brands and Customers. One of the main objectives of this organization is to educate our legislators about our love and appreciation for cigars, with an emphasis on knowing that cigars and cigarettes are fundamentally different and should be treated as such when it comes to legislative matters. Stay tuned for additional information about the ongoing development of our coalition and how you can become a member too. |
All of us need to stay informed regardless of the legislation we currently have. Make your concerns known to those who represent you. Don't be caught off guard and surprised by legislation that you should have had a say in. Educate those who represent you about the differences between cigars and cigarettes. Educate them about our passion for cigars as opposed to our addiction to them. Invite them to the various cigar functions and charity events that take place in your community. Get to know them so they can get to know you. After all, they are supposed to represent us; all of us, cigar smoker and non cigar smoker alike!
Well, thanks for taking time to visit. Hope you enjoy! I don't know about you, but I think it's time to light one up! Or as my brother Dan likes to say: "It's time to burn one!"
Well, thanks for taking time to visit. Hope you enjoy! I don't know about you, but I think it's time to light one up! Or as my brother Dan likes to say: "It's time to burn one!"
Remember...
Keep Your Smoking Holy! And don't forget to contact your legislators today!
Keep Your Smoking Holy! And don't forget to contact your legislators today!