Kansas' First Statewide Smoking Ban Signed

In a move that will undoubtedly frustrate many smokers in Kansas, Governor Mark Parkinson signed a statewide ban on smoking on March 12, 2010. The statewide ban marks the first such law within Kansas' history, and it will go into effect beginning on July 1, 2010.

Proponents of the ban included many doctors and other health professionals, as well as members of the state's House and Senate. They cited statistics claiming that 4,000 of the state's residents die from smoking related causes each year, and that 300 of those perish due to the effects of second-hand smoke.

Residents who enjoyed smoking in public places will no longer be able to do so without repercussions as of the July 1 enactment date. Among places that will be off-limits are locales such as offices, restaurants, and bars. Places where residents can go to smoke include private clubs, state-run casinos, and tobacco shops.

The Governor claimed the ban as a victory for the health of those who hope for clean air when out in public, while members of the smoking industry claim the ban as just another unfair obstacle in the pursuit of their personal enjoyment.

Obituary: Frank Llaneza 1920-2010

On March 18, 2010, the cigar industry lost an important member of its family, as Frank Llaneza passed at the age of 90.

Llaneza began his career in the cigar industry as a teenager, and would later play a major part in the distribution of Cuban seeds throughout Central America after the Cuban Revolution. More formally, Llaneza was once president of Villazon & Co., which is credited with making Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, among others.

Llaneza leaves behind a wife and four daughters, as well as a firm footprint as a vital contributor to the cigar industry throughout his life.

Obituary: Pedro Martin 1921-2010

The cigar industry lost another important member of its family on March 31, 2010, when Pedro Martin passed at the age of 89.

Martin's career blossomed from working in his father's tobacco fields at the ripe age of 15 all the way to becoming the founder of Tropical Tobacco, which today produces such notable brands as Casa Fernandez and Illusione.

Martin will be missed not only by his wife, sister, and three children, but also by those who he affected within the industry during his career.

April's cigar news is now completed, but stay tuned to Puff.com next month for more happenings in the cigar world.