CWNews

November 19, 2008 Boston Cigar Bars Band Together to Fight Ban

“A cigar bar is a ‘destination location’ that a non-smoker would not enter without first understanding the nature of the business,” he wrote. “… Employees of cigar bars, like their patrons, are aficionados of premium cigars who choose their career based on their personal passions.” Read more...
November 19, 2008 CI Expands Smoking Lounges

On September 11, 2008, Governor Ed Rendell signed into law Pennsylvania’s first smoking ban. But if you’re a premium cigar lover, you have an oasis located in the state’s Lehigh Valley region. Cigars International, Inc., the largest premium cigar retailer in Pennsylvania, with nationwide catalog/internet operations, as well as retail stores in Bethlehem, has expanded seating in its retail store lounges to accommodate cigar enthusiasts. Read more...
November 19, 2008 Penn Not Protecting Children

Ten years after the November 1998 state tobacco settlement, Pennsylvania ranks 26th in the nation in funding programs to protect kids from tobacco, according to a national report released today by a coalition of public health organizations. Read more...
November 19, 2008 Singles Sale Stopped in MD

The Prince George's County Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to ban the sale of single cigars. Read more...
November 19, 2008 Tobacco Fields Preserved

Connecticut and Massachusetts Join Forces to Protect Grassland Habitat. Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced the preservation of approximately 450 acres of land straddling the Connecticut and Massachusetts border. Comprising 254 acres in Southwick, Massachusetts, and 196 acres in Suffield, Connecticut, the property will be managed jointly by the two states as habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other species. Land once owned by Swedish Match/General Cigars. Read more...
November 18, 2008 Cigar Weekly Community Forums Upgrade

The Cigar Weekly Discussion forums, closed to users from Friday until Sunday night's conversion completion, has reopened to great acclaim by nearly all members.. Read more...
November 18, 2008 Dallas Meeting No Solutions

A bevy of fiery words. No expanded Dallas smoking ordinance proposal - yet. Read more...
November 18, 2008 Mike's Introduces Daily Special

Mike's Cigars, the Bay Harbor mega store in Miami, Florida, recently introduced and launched a new promotion of daily specials on featured cigars and other top-quality cigar accessories. Read more...
November 17, 2008 Cigar Bar Reopens as Harbor From Ban

New site on Brand Ave., Glendale AZ, hopes to capitalize on smoking ban with cigar-friendly environment. Read more...
November 15, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from Cigar Cyclopedia for the week of November 17-21, 2008 Read more...
November 14, 2008 Boston Vote Postponed

According to reports, including this one from the Cigar Rights Association, the critical Boston vote, scheduled for today, to close loopholes in the smoking ban has been postponed. Read more...
November 14, 2008 CDC Issues Report on Cigarette Smoking

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a report concerning attributable mortality, and other cigarette smoking outcomes. Hints that cigar and pipe studies may be conducted in future. Read more...
November 14, 2008 CRA Fights Dallas Ban

The Cigar Rights Association has joined the battle alongside the IPCPR in Dallas. Read more...
November 13, 2008 Ban the Ban in BigD

"Let's not automatically assume that the Council can only leave the ban as it is or make it more restrictive. There is another alternative and that is to do away with it completely," said Chris McCalla, legislative director of IPCPR. Read more...
November 13, 2008 Cigars Blamed for House Fires

The following article is the third in just two weeks, blaming house fires in the United States and the United Kingdom on cigars. This one, from the UK claimed the life of a former show-jumping champion. This one has been published in news outlets all around the UK this week. Read more...
November 13, 2008 Indian Goes Home.

Read more...
November 12, 2008 Celebrating Cigar History in the Keys?

Key West is looking to go back to its cigar-making past. Tuesday, the City Commission is expected to approve the construction of a replica cigar-makers' cottage at the Gato Village Pocket Park at 616 Louisa St. The goal is to preserve the historical function of the property and support the placement of art in public places. Read more...
November 12, 2008 Cigar Family Charitable Foundation New Site

The Fuente Family's Cigar Family Charitable Foundation has launched a new website, according to a company press release. Read more...
November 12, 2008 IPCPR Fights Kansas Ban

"The Surgeon General's Report of 2006 has been twisted and misinterpreted by anti-smoking forces. That 707-page report stated no less than 108 times that evidence regarding the health aspects of secondhand smoke is inconclusive. The Environmental Protection Agency issued a report on secondhand smoke in 1992 that is still used by tobacco-control groups even though the report was vacated in 1998 by a federal judge because its conclusions were not supported by reliable scientific evidence," McCalla said Read more...
November 12, 2008 Scandinavian Tobacco remains upbeat about the future after a year of major consolidation

This year has seen a major restructure at Scandinavian Tobacco; July saw the sale of the group’s subsidiary cigarette company House of Prince to British American Tobacco, along with the Snus (snuff) operations. But the company that has emerged remains a powerful player in the tobacco market, and sees a vital role for travel retail in the future. That's according to Executive Vice President Christian Hother Sørensen, who addressed the media during last month's TFWA World Exhibition. Read more...
November 12, 2008 Tennessee Hotbed of New Tobacconists

Another new Tennessee tobacconist opens its doors. Read more...
November 11, 2008 Aggie Ban: College Station Tx Considers

CW contributor Mercado Libre (Jess Fields) reports from American Cancer Society press conference in College Station, Texas. The ACS is pushing a ban in the home of the Aggies. Read more...
November 11, 2008 Altria Cuts Jobs

The AP is reporting that Altria Group is cutting jobs to alleviate risk from current economic upheaval. Read more...
November 11, 2008 Knoxville Shop Expands

Pete and Sherrie Zaring own the Knoxville Cigar Co., whose building at 118 S. Central St. now offers a restaurant and two bars. While area businesses continue to feel the pinch of a weakened economy, Pete and Sherrie Zaring say theirs isn't among them. The owners of the Old City's Knoxville Cigar Co. just completed a second-floor expansion of their niche business, which has seen sales increase 30 percent. Read more...
November 11, 2008 Youngest African-American in Cigar Business

Eden's Gate Cigars (exlusive importer of Adan y Eva Dominican Cigars in the United States, Canada, and Mexico) has formed an alliance with The Devin James Group, founder Devin James, Sr., where James will become partner and the lead on all brand management options for Eden's Gate emerging Adan y Eva brand. Read more...
November 10, 2008 Cuban Government Suing Xikar

The MyFox network of websites is reporting from Kansas City that the Cuban government, and its cigar distribution arm, Habanos SA are suing Xikar over their usage of the word Havana as the name of one of their signature product lines. Read more...
November 10, 2008 Holland MI Sports Store Started as Tobacconist

The rich history of a Holland, Michigan landmark sporting goods store began with the manufacture of cigars in the basement. Read more...
November 10, 2008 Joseph Vaamonde, Former VP of General Cigar Co.

He was an advertising executive for Young & Rubicam, where he opened the Puerto Rico office in 1956 and became vice president and general manager of the Mexico City branch. He later became vice president of marketing for General Cigar Company. Read more...
November 10, 2008 Newsweek On Humidors

As with most hobbies, the pleasure of cigars derives as much from the attendant paraphernalia as from the objects themselves. Decorative as well as functional, humidors often rank high on the wish lists of cigar aficionados. Read more...
November 10, 2008 PA General Cigar Factory:New Use

Northumberland County PA may have found a new home for its Energy Incubator program, in none other than a former factory for General Cigars. Read more...
November 10, 2008 Smokers Welcome

With twenty percent of guests outside on a smoke break, invite more people to your next party. This from the Daily Mail as party season in London commences. Read more...
November 10, 2008 Xikar Responds to TV Reports

According to Kurt Van Keppel, the Cuban Government isn't suing Xikar but, instead, are filing a "Notice of Opposition." Read more...
November 10, 2008 Ybor City: Cigar Heritage Festival This Week.

Among events this week in Ybor City for Cigar Heritage Festival is this Charitable Gala to benefit The Ybor City Museum Society and the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. Read more...
November 07, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from CigarCyclopedia.com For the week of November 10-14, 2008 Read more...
November 07, 2008 New Report on Cigars In China

New report available concerning the cigar market in China Read more...
November 06, 2008 Buena Vista Social Club Concert Release

Nick Gold, of the British music label World Circuit, recruited guitarist and producer Ry Cooder, intending to bring Mr. Cooder and some Malian musicians to Havana to collaborate with Cuban musicians. "Buena Vista Social Club" -- hardly the first instance of Cuban music igniting American passions -- achieved pop success at a moment when foreign sounds, and even American jazz, were largely relegated to niche audiences. Read more...
November 06, 2008 John Gordon Elmer of Northampton

John Gordon Elmer, who lived in Abington,(UK) took up a directorship in the family business J Elmer, a tobacco and cigar importers with a shop in Northampton, and worked there until it was sold to a national company.He was president of the tobacco association and after the sale he become the chief executive of the Northampton Chamber of Commerce. Read more...
November 06, 2008 Miami Cigars' Workers Certified

In a company release, Rene Castaneda and Nestor Miranda announce that Miami Cigar's customer service representatives have completed Tobacco University Read more...
November 06, 2008 Movies Still Smokin

Health groups are fuming at Hollywood's continued taste for smoking. Read more...
November 06, 2008 Non-Smoker Defends Smokers,Obama

Let me set the record straight. I don't smoke – I haven't touched a cigarette in 30 years. I don't represent a tobacco company, nor do I ever intend to represent one in the future. But I'm appalled by the way smokers are treated. We tax them unmercifully and force them to stand like dogs outside their workplaces, in the dead of winter, puffing on cigarettes that will eventually kill them. Smokers are the most maligned, put-upon group of people in the world. Read more...
November 04, 2008 Pittsburgh Restaurant Week

Starting today, Monday, November 3 through November 9, Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is Back for Lunch and Dinner during Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights! See the lights and sample some of the finest cuisine in the Pittsburgh region at a fabulous price -- Dinner for $35 and Lunch for $25. Read more...
November 04, 2008 Washington Post on The Difference

The Washington Post, tries to run an informational piece on cigars vs. cigarettes, but only uses the American Cancer Society as a resource. Read more...
November 03, 2008 New Scottish FM Targets Tobacconists

Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, targets tobacconists, and their in-store displays. Read more...
November 03, 2008 Newsweek Goes to Havana

I asked Barros when they would be shipped, and she replied that they had been made last November by a dedicated team of a dozen rollers. I asked again and got that fatalistic shrug that one encounters frequently in Havana; it appeared that while the cigars had been ready for almost a year, the boxes were still under construction. Read more...
November 03, 2008 Redwood City, To Ban in Parks

REDWOOD CITY PARKS COMMISSION TO DISCUSS, CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL FOR PROPOSED SMOKE-FREE CITY PARKS' Read more...
October 31, 2008 Binion's Adds Cigar Bar

There's a New Ace in the Game at Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel as the Legendary Property Unveils a New Poker Room Read more...
October 31, 2008 British Am. Tobacco 3rd Quarter Results -8-

British Stock Exchange report on British-American Tobacco\'s third quarter, 2008 report. Read more...
October 31, 2008 Tobacconist and Patrons Stop Carjacker

Outlaw Cigar Company and patrons band together to help their General Cigar representative who was carjacked in the parking lot. Read more...
October 30, 2008 Smokers Need Not Apply

Media outlets in the United Kingdom are reporting this week, that smokers in Redbridge, who seek to be foster parents, need not apply. Smokers will not be considered or approved to be foste parents. Read more...
October 29, 2008 General Tobacco Sues

General Tobacco Sues 52 U.S. Attorneys General Over Restraint of Trade and Violation of the U.S. Constitution;Company Also Sues Competitors For More than $1 Billion. North Carolina based manufacturer and distributor General Tobacco (GT) announced today it is suing 52 attorneys general of the United States and its territories and 19 tobacco companies. GT is asking for treble damages in excess of $1 billion from competitors for allegedly conspiring with the states to set up the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) so that later market entrants, such as GT, have to pay the states substantially more than certain competitors pay. GT believes the effect of the MSA is to drastically limit future competitors from fair market competition. GT has paid approximately $470 million to the MSA and an additional $36 million in escrow. The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville, Kentucky, charges the 52 states and territories' attorneys general with violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, its constitutional rights under the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Compact Clause and the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution as well as violation of the Civil Rights Act, Title 42 USC Section1983. Read more...
October 29, 2008 Miami Cigars to Distribute 601 & Cubao

Nestor Miranda's Miami Cigars have entered into an agreement, per company release, to distribute United Tobacco's 601 and Cubao brands. Read more...
October 29, 2008 NonSmokers Angry in Atlantic City

Overall, gaming revenue at the city's 11 casinos dropped 19.5 percent in a seven-day span ending last Friday, according to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Mark Juliano, chief executive officer of Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc., said revenue has declined 10 percent at the three Trump casinos since the smoking ban began. "If this past weekend is any indication of what the next 20 days are going to be like, it's not going to be good. It's pretty bad," Juliano said of the time remaining before the smoking ban ends. Read more...
October 29, 2008 Phillipine Gvt Wants More "Sin Tax"

Starting 2010, a uniform excise tax rate of P14 per pack will be slapped on all cigarette brands, with annual adjustments based on an appropriate price index prepared by the National Statistics Office. The draft bill submitted by the Finance Department slaps an excise tax rate of P200 on each cigar and P2.47 per pack on cigarettes packed by hand. Read more...
October 29, 2008 Ruyan America Claims Products Safe

Ruyan America have announced that testing in New Zealand and Canada deem their electronic cigarette/cigar alternatives to be safe for users. Read more...
October 29, 2008 Swedish Match Publishes Third Qtr. Report for 2007

Swedish Match Issues Third Quarter Report. Read more...
October 29, 2008 This is no time for heroes with bad causes

London Film Festival bio-pics not necessarily a good thing. Soderbergh's "Che" glosses over brutality of Guevara. Fair piece from The Times Read more...
October 28, 2008 Cigar Store Voting 80% Accurate

The forecast has been conducted since 1984 for all the national primaries and all the national, state and local elections, Seagren said.A sign in the store window on Ladd Street says "Federal Forecast Vote Here and Learn." Seagren said the goal is not to predict the outcome, but to advise citizens and generate interest in the election. Read more...
October 27, 2008 25 Smokin' Figurados Release New CD

Reyes Family Cigars and Vegas De Santiago sponsor 25 Smokin’ Figurados. The aptly named band will be hosting a release party for their debut CD, “Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke”, an album that is already attracting the attention of fans and cigar aficionados around the world. Read more...
October 27, 2008 Hub Hookah Bar in Ban Sights

Proposal may snuff out hookah bar City officials have been choosing their words carefully on the proposal, which would ban smoking on outdoor patios of restaurants, in hookah bars and cigar bars, as well as prohibit cigarette sales at pharmacies and on college campuses. While the Boston Public Health Commission has said the measure will help quell the hookah's rising popularity among the college crowd, local hookah bar owners contend they are being treated unfairly. Read more...
October 27, 2008 Montecristo Classic Accompanied "Mad Men"

In a press release, Altadis USA announced its most recent coup, being chosen to accompany the live, musical version of award-winning TV show, “Mas Men.” The debut was "a smoking-hot success with Montecristo Classic cigars." Read more...
October 27, 2008 Smoke and Vote With Altadis USA

Altadis U.S.A. brings its patriotic spirit to tobacconists with “Smoke & Vote,” a promotion that will take place from the last half of October through early November. During this promotion, customers will receive one free Altadis U.S.A. cigar when they purchase three at participating retailers. Read more...
October 24, 2008 Barry Melrose of the Lightning

Another in the pantheon of sports smokers, the loquacious Barry Melrose, now of the Lightning, formerly of ESPN. Read more...
October 24, 2008 CAO “TAKES IT TO THE LIMIT” WITH ROCK BAND HINDER

From a company press release, CAO of Nashville announces that the "Cutting-Edge Cigar Maker Selected As Exclusive Cigar Sponsor To Hinder Record Release Party." Read more...
October 24, 2008 Cuban Tourism to Show at Argentine Fair

Cuban Tourism Office in the Argentinean capital report that Cuba will have a 120 square meter stand to introduce its riches, both cultural and natural, published Granma newspaper this Tuesday on its website.Cuban exhibitors will show the skills of a master cigar roller with the unmatched Habanos. Read more...
October 24, 2008 Daniel Nuñez Retires from General

CW Contributing Editor Frank Seltzer is reporting this evening that General Cigar is announcing, through a company news release, the retirement of president and chief operating officer Daniel Nunez. Read more...
October 24, 2008 Evening Standard: Tampa and Ybor City

Bring me Sunshine; 1) The Gulf Coast is hidden Florida: its great for nature lovers mind those alligators while its cities are more laid back than Orlando and Miami 2) WINTER SUN + SKI Read more...
October 24, 2008 Glance: Altria shows pricing power, cuts costs

Altria Group Inc., which owns the No. 1 U.S. cigarette maker Philip Morris USA, reported that profit fell 67 percent from a year ago, when results included its overseas operations. But earnings from continuing operations rose 15 percent. Read more...
October 24, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of October 27-31, 2008 Read more...
October 24, 2008 Reynolds American Third Quarter Report

RAI's third-quarter results prompt increased full-year outlook; Third-quarter '08 reported EPS down 40.5%; adjusted EPS up 6.6%; Full-year guidance increased to earnings growth in low single digits Read more...
October 24, 2008 Tasmanian Band for all Smokers

AUSTRALIAN rhythm and blues survivors the Bondi Cigars will light up the Republic Bar with another smoking performance tomorrow night. A leading force in the Australian blues scene for nearly 20 years, the Cigars -- currently Shane Pacey (guitar, vocals), Al Britton (bass), Eben Hale (guitar) and Frank Corby (drums) -- have been gigging since the late '80s, and have eight albums and a number of Australian Blues Awards and ARIA Award nominations under their belts. Read more...
October 23, 2008 Altria Group 3rd Quarter Losses

American parent company of Philip Morris posts 2008 third quarter loss. Read more...
October 23, 2008 Colo. Springs Townhouse Complex Controversy

Charles Libbey, 80, likes to spend his days watching golfers from the deck of his townhome and smoking cigars. Kim Acee, 52, lives in the unit next door, and she likes to spend her days breathing without an oxygen tank. Each accuses the other of ruining life at the Woodbridge Townhomes - 64 units in 13 buildings built in 1981 on 10 acres amid the Country Club of Colorado golf course at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Read more...
October 23, 2008 Discourtesy On the Links Advocated

From "Gold Digest" of all places. Read more...
October 23, 2008 India Govt OKs Movie Smoking

India's multibillion rupee film industry, which has been fuming over a ban on smoking scenes in films, now has reason to smile. The health ministry is ready to allow the depiction of iconic characters with their favourite poison stick. Read more...
October 23, 2008 PA Cigar Retail Giant Sends Cigars to Soldiers

Cigars International will ship 18,000 cigars, worth $65,000, from its plant in the Bethlehem area, 50 miles north of Philadelphia. They'll be distributed to various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more...
October 23, 2008 Reynolds American Down

American tobacco giant losses in third quarter. Read more...
October 23, 2008 Smurf Turf Butt Free

Boise State University bans smoking on campus, according to university press release. BSU cites "health, wellness and safety" as key reasons for forbidding smoking on all university owned and leased properties. Read more...
October 23, 2008 World Series Mayors' Wager

The Mayors of Philadelphia and St. Petersburg wager local products on World Series Outcome. Read more...
October 21, 2008 Cigar Monster Coming in SMS

Famous Smoke Shop of Pennsylvania announces that they're going to use technology, social and informational networking to promote daily cigar sales specials.CigarMonster.com has just introduced "MonsterMobile" alerts, an SMS (Short Message Service) for cigar smokers who want to stay up-to-date on the website's daily cigar specials. Registrants can sign-up for free by logging on to www.cigarmonster.com/mobile_signup.cfm. and will receive one week of alerts starting on October 24, 2008. Read more...
October 21, 2008 Cuba: New Sizes in Troya and Belinda Lines.

Havana, Oct 21 (Prensa Latina) Internacional Cubana de Tabaco S.A. (ICT) company will launch new vitolas of the Belinda and Troya brands in early November to meet the increasing demand in the world cigar market. Belinda, a brand from the late 19th century (1882), is commercialized as Belinda Coronas, and its vitola Cristales will come in 20-cigar boxes and three-cigar cases. For its part, Troya was created in 1932 and is commercialized as Coronas Club and Universales in 20-cigar boxes and three-cigar cases. In both cases, each cigar weighs more than three grams, reports Prensa Latina Read more...
October 21, 2008 NM TV Bust Butts

Albuquerque TV newscast seeks to expose illegal indoor smoking. Read more...
October 20, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of October 20-24, 2008 Read more...
October 20, 2008 Ruyan America Products Pop Up in PA

Ruyan America, Inc., announced today that Pennsylvania smokers looking for more choices and alternatives as to where and when they can satisfy their cravings for tobacco in light of the recently enacted statewide smoking ban will now have new alternatives made available through Pennsylvania retailers and distributors. Read more...
October 17, 2008 Bronco Billy's Casino Cited for Smoking

The first casino to allow smoking in Cripple Creek became the last casino to clear the air of cigarette smoke last week. In June, Bronco Billy's Casino claimed it was exempt from the statewide smoking ban under the cigar bar exemption. Three other Cripple Creek casinos followed suit, although two quickly stopped permitting smoking after Cripple Creek police ticketed them. Read more...
October 17, 2008 Unusal Delay to Atlantic City Casino Ban

Atlantic City gambling floors will go smoke-free for seven days before allowing visitors to light up again because the city can't legally stop a smoking ban from taking effect, the city council president said Friday. Read more...
October 16, 2008 IPCPR: Ban Penn Ban.

Ban the bans. That's what the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association has been urging since the Pennsylvania smoking ban became law on Sept. 11 and the Philadelphia ban was enacted two years earlier. The state law forbids smoking in most indoor workplaces and public spaces. At the same time, it currently allows a variety of exemptions that some legislators want to eliminate with an amendment in January. Philadelphia's even more stringent ban remains in effect. Read more...
October 16, 2008 Muriel Cigar Babe Muriel Adams

Actress and singer Edie Adams, the blonde beauty who won a Tony Award for bringing Daisy Mae to life on Broadway and who played the television foil to her husband, comedian Ernie Kovacs, has died. She was 81. Read more...
October 14, 2008 Alec Bradley Releases Holiday Tempus Five Pack

Olindo Zecca of Alec Bradley sent the following release to cigar media to announce their new holiday special. Read more...
October 14, 2008 Cigar Weekly: A Friendly Port in the Internet Cigar Forum Storm

An Editorial from the Publisher of CW... Cigar Weekly, one of the oldest independent online cigar communities, has been in existence since 1997. The board that Dan Bienkowski started, and the reasons he did so, have remained paramount to what we, his successors, strive to maintain today. ‘DanB’ opened these forums as a place where civil discourse could take place, where smokers could fairly assess and discuss any and all brands of cigars without recrimination, and where opinions contrary to ‘conventional wisdom’ could be offered. Cigar Weekly’s efforts to maintain a civil and welcoming atmosphere, and to make Cigar Weekly the 'Switzerland of cigar boards', still reside at the forefront of our endeavours. With the recent upheavals affecting some of our ‘competitors’ in the online cigar community, the ownership, administration, editorial staff and moderators of Cigar Weekly would like to take this opportunity to invite any disaffected folks to explore the discussions here at CW. We would also like to welcome back those who, for various reasons, may have migrated elsewhere in the interim. We believe we have much to offer both groups. Read more...
October 14, 2008 Fort Wayne Landmark Opens Lounge

Riegel's Pipe and Tobacco, which was established in 1874, also has stores in Georgetown Shopping Center and Covington Plaza. Riegel's is owned by Bill Bougher, whose family has held ownership interest in the business since 1904. Riegel's Pipe & Tobacco, 624 S. Calhoun St., is planning a grand opening of its new Cigar Lounge 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. The lounge, called Uncle Al's Cigar Lounge, is located in the rear of Riegel's downtown location. Uncle Al's is named after Aloysius Riegel, founder of Riegel's. Read more...
October 14, 2008 Mike's Announces "Smoke" Event

Mike's Cigars, a major cigar distributor and retailer in Miami, is now selling tickets to their big "Smoke" cigar event for Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at their headquarters in Bay Harbor Islands, FL. For $125 you will receive endless food, drinks, cocktails, live music, entertainment, and secret surprises. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Bar Fights Colorado Ban

Murray Street Darts bar owner Bruce Hicks plead guilty this week to violating the state's smoking ban but it's a jury trial from last month that he's contesting. Hicks' attorney says two jurors went to his client's bar to see if he had a sign that advertised it as a "cigar bar." Judges forbid jurors from researching cases. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Camacho Cigars Announces Purchase by Davidoff

Camacho Cigars has issued its own press release, detailing their sale to Davidoff group. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Camacho Cigars Sold to Davidoff

The following is the Miami Herald's report on Friday's merger between Camacho Cigars and Davidoff. Word leaked over the weekend, but the official release wasn't given until this morning. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Cigar Weekly Interview with Christian Eiroa

Cigar Weekly's Contributing Editor Frank Seltzer (Mowee) was able to obtain this interview with Christian Eiroa on Monday, October 13, 2008, the day Camacho announced its acquisition by the Oettinger-Davidoff Group - a merger that will place Camacho amongst the top 10 cigar brand names worldwide. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Mich. Editorial: Ban Defeat=Death Sentence

In an editorial redolent of hyperbole, The Muskegon Chronicle calls the defeat of a workplace smoking ban a "death sentence." Read more...
October 13, 2008 New Hobart IN Store Now Diamond Crown Lounge

This cigar store and lounge, which was recently one of only 40 establishments across the country to be selected a Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge, has long sought to give cigar smokers an outlet. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Nick Perdomo Elected to City Council

The cigar man wins elected office. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Perdomo Responds to Election

Nick Perdomo, through Tabacalera Perdomo, issued the following statement concerning his campaign and subsequent election to the Miami Lakes Town Council. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Phila. Inquirer Says Tax Tobacco

In an AP compilation of editorials, the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests raising tobacco levies. Read more...
October 13, 2008 Second Annual Pittsburgh Whikey and Fine Spirits Fest

As many cigar smokers enjoy a fine libation with their smokes, Pennsylvanians may be interested in this Bourbon festival in Pittsburgh. This press release from the event coordinators explains the evening. Read more...
October 10, 2008 Ban Sales After Businesses Adapt to Ban

Oklahoma Public Television reportin objections to efforts to close ban loopholes. Officials not willing to ban sales outright Read more...
October 10, 2008 Calle Setima Honored by Planners

HIGHLIGHT: The historic Ybor City street wins national recognition. Read more...
October 09, 2008 Altadis Counterfeit Issue Resolved

Flordia shop prosecuted, convicted and sentenced in selling counterfeit Altadis products. Read more...
October 09, 2008 Proposed ban ignites cigar smoker protests

City moves to broaden tobacco restrictions Read more...
October 07, 2008 Baseball, Beaches, Cigars

In league with baseball, beaches; The West Indies nation is devoted to the game, but its water sports and spirit of fun are more than between-inning attractions. Read more...
October 07, 2008 Cigarsmokers.com Voids Sale

One site cancels sale to social community innovator, Jon Caputo. Read more...
October 07, 2008 Get Out and Smoke in Little Havana

Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street, hosts Viernes Culturales or Cultural Fridays the last Friday of every month. The art and street festival spans four blocks lined with more than a dozen galleries, restaurants blasting Latin music and cigar shops—some offering free drinks and appetizers. Stages are set up for live music. Organizers say the Latin festival attracts over 10,000 people to the heart of Little Havana. Dancing and cigar smoking is encouraged. Read more...
October 07, 2008 PA Venues Still Battling Ban

Through the end of September, the state's Department of Health has received 368 complaints, according to spokeswoman Holli Senior. A majority of these complaints stem from businesses that filed for exemptions from the law. Read more...
October 06, 2008 Five Cigar Sites Sold to Single Owner

Is it an upheaval or a tightening of the markets? The world of electronic cigar media as well as devoted followers on cigar discussion forums all across the world wide web are abuzz this Monday morning. Announcements today (not to mention some dating from last week) on five distinct and well populated cigar boards currently inform members that their sites have been sold. Read more...
October 06, 2008 Flor de Copan Takes ECCJ Award

AltadisUSA proudly announces a major honor for its Flor de Copan Brand from European Cigar Cult Journal. Read more...
October 06, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of October 6-10, 2008 Read more...
October 06, 2008 IPCPR Lauds Arizona Decision

Congratulations were offered today to the Arizona Court of Appeals for its ruling Sept. 30 against the Arizona Department of Health Services in favor of a Phoenix tobacco shop and bar. The kudos came from the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association in behalf of its more than 2,000 cigar store owners and premium cigar manufacturers. "I never met a smoking ban I didn't oppose, but at least the Arizona Court of Appeals shed a ray of reason and reality on the Magnum case," said Chris McCalla, legislative director of IPCPR. Read more...
October 04, 2008 India Police: What Ban?

India has already outlawed spitting and urinating in public, to little noticeable effect. Across the country, even traffic lights command only cursory attention. Other efforts to dissuade antisocial behaviour, such as the recent ``Anti-Honking Day'' in Mumbai -- a plea for drivers to make less use of their car horns -- have fizzled out. Read more...
October 03, 2008 Cripple Creek Casino Stubbed Out

On Thursday, a Teller County judge ruled that The Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek doesn't count. The ruling will likely end smoking at the Rose, but it doesn't clear the air over the casino smoking question. The Midnight Rose and another casino tried to use the cigar bar exemption to make an end-run around a smoking ban, in place since Jan. 1, that they say has been hurting business. Read more...
October 03, 2008 IPCPR Fights Boston Ban

The association that represents more than 2,000 cigar store owners and premium cigar manufacturers worldwide is burning up over the Boston Public Health Commission's recent proposals to tighten restrictions on tobacco sales and use throughout the city. "The Commission is over-reaching when it comes to their concerns over secondhand smoke and by further denying business owners their constitutional rights," said Chris McCalla, legislative director of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association. Read more...
October 03, 2008 Mark Twain Exhibit at UC Berkely

The Bancroft Library at the University of California at Berkeley will play host, in its newly renovated gallery, to an exhibit Mark Twain at Play. Read more...
October 02, 2008 Cue Sting: I Hope That Someone Gets My...

Before returning to the U.S. from a summer vacation, a Sparks man figured out a creative way of getting rid of something considered "contraband" that he bought while on a Caribbean cruise. Read more...
October 02, 2008 Swedish Match Chooses Verizon

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ), announced today (30 September) that Swedish Match, a Scandinavian manufacturer of smoke-free tobacco products, cigars, pipe tobacco and lights products, has contracted Verizonto provide a fully managed Private IP solution. Read more...
October 01, 2008 Altadis to Close Selma AL Factory

Richard McKenzie, senior vice president of human resources for Altadis, said Nov. 14 is the last production day at the plant, which began making cigars in Selma in 1941.Employees received notices Tuesday morning. The company cited government regulations, smoking restrictions, rising taxes and a decrease in demand for the blunt-shaped cigar as reasons for the closing. Read more...
October 01, 2008 Appeals court reverses smoking ban on Phoenix cigar shop

The Arizona Court of Appeals on Sept. 30 delivered a blow against the regulatory powers of the Arizona Department of Health Services by declaring that a luxury Phoenix tobacco shop and bar is exempt from the statewide smoking ban in public places. Although pleased with the result, Patel said the ordeal, which began in 2007, has been extremely costly for the business. He estimated his legal fees will reach more than $100,000, and he said the legal fight has made it difficult to promote his business. Read more...
September 30, 2008 Altadis Playboy Debuts in China

"We make them and licensed the Playboy brand name," said Eric Piras of Altadis Cigars. The brand's fitting double-entendre slogan is: "You never forget your first." (Add your own Bill Clinton joke here.) Read more...
September 30, 2008 Latvian Excise Tax to Grow

Excise tax on the so-called other smoking tobacco products -- tobacco, which is not cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and finely cut smoking tobacco -- will grow by 64 percent. Thus, from February 1, 2009, excise tax on other smoking tobacco will rise from 14 lats to 23 lats per 1,000 grams and the tax rate will be leveraged with excise tax rate on finely cut tobacco. Read more...
September 29, 2008 Havana Club Set to Open in Vegas

A company press releases details the opening of what the founders bill the venue to "raise the bar." Read more...
September 29, 2008 Underwriting Smokers-The Killer Weed

Contrary to the common misconception, cigarettes are not the only tobacco product that can contribute to the risk of cancer. Other harmful forms of tobacco consumption include cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff. The smoking of cigarettes is the most predominant cause of cancer at all ages, while cigar and pipe smokers generally have a lower mortality rate. It is also important to consider the increased risk of oral cancer with users of smokeless tobacco such as chewing tobacco. Read more...
September 26, 2008 Buy Imperial Stock.

Financial advisor can't resist his editorial comments on smoking while advising people to continue to buy Imperial Stock. Read more...
September 26, 2008 Cigar company will need capital infusion after storms in Cuba

Corporacion Habanos S.A., a joint venture between the Cuban government and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC's Altadis subsidiary, said that it will have no problems supplying its famous cigars in 2009 although it will need an "important financial injection." "At least for next year" the company should not have "great difficulties in the supply of cigars," despite the damage to more than 5,000 tobacco curing structures in Pinar del Rio done by two hurricanes this month, the company's vice president for marketing, Manuel Garcia, said. Read more...
September 26, 2008 HEARD IN THE HUMIDOR September 26, 2008

Highlights of the week in cigars and smoking from For the week of September 29-October 3, 2008 Read more...
September 26, 2008 NM Man Fights Ban Exemptions

A New Mexico cigarette smoker is challenging the state ban's cigar-bar and other exemptions by having his wife call deputies to have him cited for smoking in a regular bar. Read more...
September 26, 2008 Smoking ban based on unsubstantiated data

The 2006 Surgeon General's report, which clearly concludes that second-hand smoke should not be considered a legitimate health or environmental hazard. The report states no less than 108 times on its 707 pages that the evidence is inconclusive regarding the health aspects of second-hand smoke. Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn't regard second-hand smoke an environment hazard. Nonetheless, biased media reports, slanted statements by anti-tobacco groups and even deliberately erroneous press releases from the Surgeon General's office contradict the actual findings of the report. Read more...
September 25, 2008 Ban Coming in India

With a nationwide ban in the offing in India, bar owners and restaurateurs express some concern just as their American counterparts to. Read more...
September 25, 2008 J. C. Newman Featured in Tampa Tribune

WFLA Tampa's Jack Harris visits J. C. Newman and gets primer on Ybor cigar operations. Read more...
September 23, 2008 CAO Rock and Rolled Tour

In a company press release, CAO Cigars of Nashville, Tennessee announce their Rock and Rolled Tour featuring Director of Lifestyles Marketing Jon Huber. Read more...
September 23, 2008 Detroit State Rep Decries Ban

BERT JOHNSON represents Detroit's 5th district in the Michigan House of Representatives. He also chairs the House Detroit Delegation. Write to him in care of the Free Press Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226 or at oped@freepress.com. For the third time, the Michigan House of Representatives is being asked to vote on this legislation, which would ban smoking in all public facilities.If a ban is enacted and results in a 20%-25% loss for Detroit's casinos, we eliminate the projected 2,500 new jobs and threaten jobs already established. Greektown has said if it realizes similar losses, it would be forced to close.The entertainment industry is one that we have incentivized to come to Michigan to diversify a declining manufacturing industry. If passed with no exemptions, legislators would hurt the industry that we are attempting to grow as major employers and taxpayers in our state. Read more...
September 23, 2008 RAI Gains Notice Among Peers

Companies are selected based on an extensive evaluation of many criteria including corporate governance, stakeholder relations, human resources development, knowledge management, energy consumption and climate change strategies. Read more...
September 22, 2008 Aussie Distributor Cited For Mislabelling

Refunds or replacement of tobacco products will be offered to retailers as part of a court-enforceable undertaking offered by Raktos Distribution Services Pty Limited and its directors and accepted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Read more...
September 20, 2008 Ottawa Paper on Tampa and Ybor City

Heat-seeking Canadians looking for an escape from winter's wrath tend to form opposing camps when it comes time to praise Florida's beaches. There are those who swear beaches on the east coast are superior, while west coast supporters claim the Gulf Coast shores rule.The Tampa neighbourhood that offers the most incentives to stay and play is Ybor (pronounced Ee-bore) City. It's not really a city, but an area aptly dubbed Tampa Bay's Latin Quarter. It was named after Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, a Cuban exile who opened the first cigar factory in the area. Nearly 12,000 people worked in more than 200 factories, leading Ybor City to proclaim that it was the cigar capital of the world. Read more...
September 19, 2008 BU Paper On Hub Ban

Cigar and hookah aficionados may soon have to confine their puffs to private residences if a stringent tobacco ruling targeting cigar and hookah lounges becomes law. Churchill's Lounge currently hosts meetings for the Boston University Cigar Aficionado Club and the Nile Lounge also counts a large number of BU students as customers. Macdonald said smoking establishments in Boston are planning to get together to discuss the ruling before it reaches a public hearing on Oct. Read more...
September 19, 2008 Last Oktoberfest for Smoking

There are few places left in Europe where you can still enjoy a cigarette and a tipple but the huge beer tents of the 175th annual Oktoberfest starting in Munich Saturday are one of them. But this is the last time. When the first barrel of beer is ceremoniously cracked open in the Bavarian capital next year, the ashtrays will have gone and nicotine lovers will have to nip outside. Read more...
September 19, 2008 WVU Study IDs Teen Smokers

West Virginia University research shows teens who volunteer for programs to quit smoking are more addicted than other young smokers. Read more...
September 18, 2008 Cigar Sites Using Ad-Bots on Facebook

Technology gives advertisers the ability to monitor our actions and personal profiles to help them better target consumers. But what privacy issues should companies have to abide by, and when does the invasion of privacy become insulting? When obtuse ads don't pertain to interests or previous searches, it's easy to feel like companies have invaded your privacy. "It's kind of disconcerting to know that there's people that can follow your path on the Internet." Gabrenya said. "What if there is a Web site you didn't want people to know you went to, and they do. You're not aware they're obtaining that information." Read more...
September 18, 2008 Habanos S. A. : Travel Retail Selection Pack

Once again, Habanos s.a. gives consumers another chance to get the latest exclusivity for the Duty Free and Travel Retail channel. It’s an excellent tailored-made product that will surely become a special gift for frequent flyers. Read more...