What may be appealing to cigar fans, however, could be repulsive to others, which appears to be the case with Dr. Rahal’s office. The dentist said he’s lost an untold number of existing patients since Twisted Cigar moved in. “We had a women just this morning complain. She said she couldn't stand the smell,” he added. Life has apparently been hard on Rahal’s employees as well since cigar shop opened, with some saying they leave the office smelling like smoke and another suffering from allergic reactions in response to the smoke.

Jim Brown, owner of Twisted Cigar, said he has done his best to appease Rahal’s concerns. Brown sealed the drywall separating the two businesses and installed air filters to handle the smoke, but Rahal claims the problem remains, which prompted him to hire an attorney and file a complaint in court three weeks ago. Rahal wants an injunction against Twisted Cigar, citing “noxious, unhealthful, damaging, disagreeable and offensive odors and stenches," that have made his office “unpleasant, uncomfortable, unhealthy and unfit for human habitation.”

Brown’s attorney, Sean Cronin, said they are working with the shopping center’s landlord to form a proper response to the complaint. Cronin said Brown denies the suit’s claims and has done his best to alleviate the problem. While the case remains without a scheduled hearing, it should be interesting to see the final outcome.

Jose Seijas Retires from Altadis

Jose Seijas recently stepped down from his position as vice president and general manager of Altadis U.S.A.’s Tabacalera de Garcia cigar factory. Known for its production of cigars for the Montecristo and Romeo de Julieta brands, the Dominican-based factory is considered to be Altadis’ most important facility of its kind.

Seijas’ retirement is effective immediately and ends his impressive run with the company that lasted over 30 years. Cigar Aficionado reports that Javier Elmudesi, a 15-year veteran of the factory, will fill the vacancy. Seijas’ departure is nothing new for Altadis, as Jim Colucci, the company’s former executive VP of sales and marketing, retired last summer.