Cigar Blog

Happiness is a good cigar

October 1: Buy Cigars In 5s

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Cigar

If you live in Baltimore, then you would know about this by now. In fact, I distinctly remember writing about this piece of legislation some time ago. I didn’t think that it would ever be passed for sure but I guess I was wrong. According to the Baltimore Examiner, starting October 1 of this year, you can only buy cheap cigars in packs of 5s. I guess it is not such a big deal for those who smoke regularly. Buying 5 cigars is not something unusual, especially if you buy the brand that you normally smoke.

What has gotten under my skin is the prevailing attitude that I am sensing regarding the issue. Take this quote from Mayor Sheila Dixon. According to the article I just read, she said “These products are addictive and deadly. And yet, cheap cigars often carry no health label at all.”

Addictive and deadly, ok. These could very well be true. But then again, cigar shop owners and cigar smokers do not force other people to buy them, right? I mean, everyone knows the potential health hazards that smoking cigars pose. This brings me to the second sentence – the one about the health labels. Come on now, cigarettes have labels all over them. Have these things stopped smokers from buying cartons upon cartons of cigarettes? In countries like Thailand, they even have gross pictures on the cartons, in an effort to discourage people from buying them. But do people stop? No!

All I am saying is that you can’t stop people from smoking if they want to. Don’t use that as an excuse for some politicking.

Originally posted on January 17, 2009 @ 10:03 am

No Individual Cigars For Prince George County

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When you buy cigars, how many do you buy at a time? I personally buy at least a bundle at a time only because I do not like having to keep going back to the shop when I need or want a cigar. I have to admit that sometimes, though, I buy only one. This is especially true when I am out of the house and I forget to bring a cigar with me. This can also happen when I am short of cash and I cannot really afford to buy more than one.

If you do buy cigars individually and you live in Prince George County, then you are crap out of luck as the County Council just passed a bill which disallows the sale of individual cigars. The rationale behind this move is to lessen the use of marijuana. Where is the connection?

Apparently, the youth in the area buy individual cigars not to smoke them but to use the wrapper to roll joints. This is the relatively cheap alternative to wrappers for joints. So, in an effort to make it more expensive for the young people, individual cigar sales are not allowed anymore. Another implication of t his bill is that cigars can fall under the legal definition of drug paraphernalia if used in the method described above.

I understand the rationale in theory but do they think that the measure will actually deter the youth from using marijuana? Come on now, let’s not fool ourselves…

Originally posted on November 21, 2008 @ 8:38 pm

PA Smoking Ban Almost A Reality

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no smoking
Smoking bans are a smoker’s worst nightmare. Imagine having the freedom to smoke (cigarette or cigar it does not really matter) whenever and wherever you feel like it? The trend these days, however, is for cities to adopt smoking bans. On one hand, it does make sense. After all, containing smoking activities will do a world of good for the environment. More so, the people who do not smoke will not be bothered by inconsiderate smokers (yes, there are those kinds of people).

In Pennsylvania, however, the pending smoking ban that is to be introduced by Gov. Rendell, is causing quite a stir. The bill is not yet a law but will very soon be, judging by the enthusiastic response it got from the State Senate. This is particularly interesting because the state has long been considered to be the cigar capital of United States.

So what and who are affected by the impending smoking ban? Practically ALL public places. These include hospitals, schools, taxis, bus stops, buses, bus stations, and even sports facilities! Restaurants are also included in the ban. There are some exemptions though. These include bars and cafes which do not derive more than 20% of their income from food. Hotels can have a maximum of 25% of their rooms designated as smoking rooms.

So it’s not really that bad, I suppose. PA smokers will just have to adjust much like the people in other cities of world have when they decided to place a smoking ban. It is not that hard, trust me.

Originally posted on June 11, 2008 @ 6:06 pm