Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

supergirl · 04-17-2007, 10:54 AM

I'm sure this has been brought up numerous times before...

I live in Baltimore City, MD and in February, a city-wide smoking ban was voted into law. It will go into effect January 2008.
The instant I heard of the possibility of a ban, I got involved. There is a local cigar lounge that my bf and I frequent. We know and love the owners and staff, so this ban took on a far more personal effect than to most. I spoke at public rallies and wrote emails. Unfortunately, it was to no avail.

Recently, a state-wide smoking ban was also voted into law. In less than a year, I will no longer be able to go out and enjoy my cigars.

Needless to say, I'm a tad disappointed. There are waivers available, but they are nearly impoosible to be approved for since the guidelines are so stringent. The likelihood is that my local cigar lounge will be no more soon.

On another note, a local college has taken it upon themselves to not only ban smoking on campus (which I understand) to banning smoking in your vehicle while on campus (which I don't understand.)

I'm not sure how much this will affect my cigar smoking, but I'm sure it will. Those of you who have to deal with bans, how do you do it? What changes have you seen at your local B&M's and such?

Thanks for the input, in advance!

XOXO, Minga

GoinFerSmoke · 04-17-2007, 10:57 AM

First step! Contact l0venpeace (Heather Waibel) I am sure she can help you out!

CHRIS7891011 · 04-17-2007, 11:01 AM

I'm actually doing a debate on this topic on thursday. Chicago too has been in the process of banning smoking, CA where I'm from originally has been on the bandwagon for a few years now. I think that a ban in restaurants and other such places is a good idea. However when it comes to bars and lounges (such as a cigar lounge etc.) I think that it shoudl be up to the owners. Luckily my cigar store had enough support to get past the ban because they were a store in whihc tobacco was the main thing sold.

As for smoking on campus, I go to a nazarene school and they dont like smoking at all. In fact i could get in trouble if they find out i smoke. I disagree with the idea but that's just my opinion.

As for somking in the car, that shoudl be fine wherever... except possibly in the case of children in the car. However i think that smoking is a lot less dangerous than some of the soccer moms and dad's i see swerving accross the road with their cell phones and coffee.

Starsky · 04-17-2007, 11:11 AM

I think people are missing the big picture here. This isn't just about smoking bans. It's about the government stepping in where they don't belong and stripping away yet another personal freedom. What's next? Campfires? Barbeque grills? As adults I believe we're capable of making our own choices. Anyone in Illinois can contact their representative and ask them to vote against smoking bill SB0500.

mrgatorman · 04-17-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHRIS7891011

I'm actually doing a debate on this topic on thursday. Chicago too has been in the process of banning smoking, CA where I'm from originally has been on the bandwagon for a few years now. I think that a ban in restaurants and other such places is a good idea. However when it comes to bars and lounges (such as a cigar lounge etc.) I think that it shoudl be up to the owners. Luckily my cigar store had enough support to get past the ban because they were a store in whihc tobacco was the main thing sold.

As for smoking on campus, I go to a nazarene school and they dont like smoking at all. In fact i could get in trouble if they find out i smoke. I disagree with the idea but that's just my opinion.

As for somking in the car, that shoudl be fine wherever... except possibly in the case of children in the car. However i think that smoking is a lot less dangerous than some of the soccer moms and dad's i see swerving accross the road with their cell phones and coffee.

Good Luck on the debate...Its a real pisser that this stuff is going on...We talk of the land of the free, seems that its only limited to the louder voices. those who stay quiet seem to get squashed.

Ceedee · 04-17-2007, 12:15 PM

Starsky is right. An organized effort that will put pressure on those who make the laws is perhaps the only way to fight injustice and loss of your freedoms. It is real insanity that this is happening, but people like Heather have made an impact with their actions. Smoking really is the tip of the iceberg, however. Political Correctness in general is perhaps more to blame and is something that is dominating US culture at the moment.

Tom Zarzecki has an interesting rant on this on his blog. Some of you may know him from his frequent contributions to Cigar magazine. He is about as anti-PC as humanly possible and makes some good points (some you may or not agree with as well) but the overarching theme of all things P.C. is dissected. Take a look if you are at all interested:

The onerous grip of Political Correctness

CD

l0venpeace-cl · 04-17-2007, 05:04 PM

The sad, but true fact is that the wave of smoking bans will continue. I can easily see the nation being complete smoke free in the next decade or so (and by that I mean no smoking in bars, or in public places, with only certain exemptions). Santa Monica even has a complete city wide smoking ban- you can't even smoke outside on the street!

So what can be done? Two steps, first, people need to get involved PRO ACTIVELY. Don't wait until the ban is on the ballot, start before then and get people together, get to know your local legislators and get a system in place that's ready before you need it. Create goodwill in the community and, if you're a tobacconist, let your local government officials see how important your business is to the community. You know, "greater good" and all that.

The second thing is that people need to stop thinking shortsightedly. While bans will restrict smoking in a bar, or even in a private club or cigar lounge, the odds that smoking outside will be banned are much slimmer. So, if you're going to open up a cigar shop, THINK AHEAD. What are the possible avenues that you can have your legs cut out from under you? How can you prevent that? What is your Plan B, so to speak.

Also, don't forget that joining large Political Action Committess (PACs) will do more good than just an individual can- a lot of small donations can equal a lot of resources. See http://www.fumeeworld.com/legal.htm for more tips.

Remember, cigars are not cigarettes. Cigarettes are a product of habit, while cigars are a product of leisure.

supergirl · 04-17-2007, 05:22 PM

I got as involved as I possibly could. I spoke at rallies (I was a big draw since my boyfriend is a city police officer shot in the line of duty recently and I'm military). I got in touch with our city council and mayor. I did all thought I could. But, it was still passed.

Now that the bans have been passed, I was curious as to how it affected those who lived in areas where smoking bans have already taken effect. What type of changes did you see in your smoke shops and smoking places? How are you all dealing with it?

I hope those of you that have not yet had to deal with smoking bans do get proactive. Don't let your rights be stripped!

Minga

Bulz · 04-17-2007, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supergirl

Now that the bans have been passed, I was curious as to how it affected those who lived in areas where smoking bans have already taken effect. What type of changes did you see in your smoke shops and smoking places? How are you all dealing with it?

Minga

I recently moved to PA from CT. In CT there is a statewide ban and my local cigar shop flourished from it. As long as it's the only place in town to smoke, it's a no brainer. The businesses that counted on bars and golf clubs certainly suffered. But the lounges increased their business and cigar smokers still have a home (albeit ONLY at the club).

I hope your local lounge has plenty of seating.

jkim05-cl · 04-17-2007, 10:56 PM

well i'm in maryland too, but my county (montgomery) already has a smoking ban in place so it's not really gonna change anything for me. my local cigar shops are basically the only places that still allow smoking so they pretty much become smoking havens for anyone who wants to enjoy a cigar. i think smoke shops are exempt from the bans so you should still be able to smoke there.

Blues-cl · 04-21-2007, 11:39 AM

I'm just thankful Shelly's in DC has a 2 year waiver, up for extension when that runs out.

Not to mention, I smoke when I want in my cigar lounge (basement)

supergirl · 04-21-2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blues

I'm just thankful Shelly's in DC has a 2 year waiver, up for extension when that runs out.

Not to mention, I smoke when I want in my cigar lounge (basement)

Shelly's is too far for us/me to go. Otherwise, I'd frequent it.

We were talking to Ron, the co-owner of Max's in Fells Point, not too long ago about the waivers. He mentioned something about 1/3 of his business having to be tobacco related in order to qualify for a waiver, but since all he has is the cigar lounge, it would be tough. Plus, since they serve a small menu, there are more complications. He's trying to get it figured out.

And, we are not all as lucky as you, Blues. :P