Growing the Business
of Specialty Tobacco Retailing

Founded in 1933 as the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America, the PCA is the largest, most active, and longest-running trade association which represents specialty tobacco retailers, and supports manufacturers and partners in the industry.

What we do

PCA membership gives you and your business a direct connection to every facet of the industry, providing exceptional opportunities for networking and growth, offering business support, advocacy, education and year-round buying opportunities.

Protect

We protect our members against onerous, business-killing regulations & taxes, to help them thrive and grow.

Advocate

We amplify voices while providing a positive effect on the political process for the future of the industry.

Support

We strengthen business relationships through our trade show, b2b offerings, and professional development tools.

Promote

We provide a connection to every facet of the industry through networking, b2b offerings, and events.

Discover Your Local Tobacconist

Enter your location to connect with premium cigar retailers near you. Support local businesses and enjoy the finest in specialty tobacco.

Latest Industry News

Your Walk-in Humidor

Premium cigars are typically not an impulse buy. Whether your customer is a connoisseur or a new cigar smoker, all of their senses are in play when they make their choice of what to buy and where to...

The Blend Review: HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary Especiales

HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary Size: Especiales (6 ½ x 48) Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua MSRP: $10 per cigar or...

Cigar Lounge or Tobacconist: The Difference Pipes Can Make

“It reminds of my grandfather” is something we often hear as newcomers to Georgetown Tobacco walk through our doors. Founded in 1964, we began primarily as a pipe shop— It wasn’t until the cigar...

The Blend Review: Tabanero Momentum Robusto

Tabanero Momentum Size: Robusto (5 x 50) Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés) Binder: Ecuador Filler: Nicaragua Produced at the Origen Cigars S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua Available in 20-count boxes...

PCA and We Card Team Up for Free Training Course

As part of its ongoing focus on education, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has teamed up with the We Card Program, Inc., for a special deal. Current retail members of the PCA will be able to...

Report on Nicaragua and PCA Response

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is actively working on addressing the situation involving this week's "Report on Nicaragua's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Labor Rights, Human Rights...

PCA Fall 2025 Update

The level of activity this summer has been a constant bustle with very little reprieve. Our staff and board of directors have been completing projects on a nearly daily basis across all departments,...

What We’re Smoking: Matilde Limited Exposure No. 2 Robusto

Cigar: Matilde Limited Exposure No. 2Size: RobustoSmoke time: 1 hour, 12 minutes Appearance & AromaSitting in my lounge, I’m drawn to Matilde’s cigar band—a rich purple with embossed gold that...

University of Houston and PCA Deliver Hospitality Masterclass

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA), in partnership with the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, proudly concluded its pioneering two-day educational...

What We’re Smoking: AJ Fernandez Días de Gloria Corona

Cigar: AJ Fernandez Días de Gloria Size: CoronaSmoke time: 1 hours, 15 minutes I am a huge fan of a nice cold matcha latte. I know, I know, many will say, Oh this drink is a fad. Or how can you...

PCA, CRA, and Manufacturers Challenge California’s UTL in Federal Court to Protect the Premium Cigar Industry

Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc., Oliva Cigar Co., Piloto Cigars, Inc., d/b/a Padrón Cigars, Inc., A. Fuente & Co., LLC, Ashton Distributors, Inc.,...

PCA Tariff Bulletin

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) understands the uncertainty regarding the potential impacts that increased tariffs might have on its members. PCA shares the concerns of its members and provides...

PCA and CAA Commission Study on Tax Cap Policies

Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Association of America (CAA) announced that they are collaborating on a national study of cigar tax cap policies enacted and planned throughout...

PCA Applauds FDA’s Withdrawl of Flavored Cigar Ban

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) commends the recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw its proposed Tobacco Product Standard for Characterizing Flavors in Cigars...

Global Trade Alert

[Update – October 3, 2024] Joint Statement Regarding Master Contract: “The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement...

New Certain Tobacco Age-of-Sale Requirements Go Into Effect

September 30, 2024, marks the beginning of new certain tobacco age-of-sale requirements. As of this date, retailers must verify with a photo ID the age of anyone who is under the age of 30 who is...

FDA Issues Final Rule for Tobacco 21

At long last, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) has released its Final Rule for implementing T-21, including requirements for age verification of patrons...

PCA Objects to New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments Bill

[Mon, August 22, 2022 — Washington, DC] Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) submitted evidence to be considered by the New Zealand Parliament in an effort to revise the Smokefree...

Court Blocks FDA Product Approval Requirements for Premium Cigars

In the case of Cigar Association of America, the Premium Cigar Association, and Cigar Rights of America v. United States Food and Drug Administration et al., Judge Amit P. Mehta of the...

Rep. Meuser Hosts Cigar Policy Roundtable

Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Cigar Caucus, hosted a Cigar Policy Roundtable to provide Members of Congress insight on how proposed policies and regulations would...

Federal Court Declines to Halt California’s UTL Deadline

On the evening of October 8, U.S. District Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani denied the premium cigar industry’s emergency request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to postpone California’s...

PCA files California Regulatory Comment with Industry Coalition

In response to a regulatory posting by the California Attorney General’s Office, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has filed comments expressing industry concerns on behalf of a premium cigar...

Louisiana Passes Cigar Tax Cap Legislation

With the leadership of a few state tobacconists and distributors, the state of Louisiana has become the third southern state to enact a cigar tax cap, following Arkansas and North Carolina. The new...

State Advocacy 2025 Outlook

As we anticipate the 2025 state legislative sessions, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is steadfast in its commitment to advocate for and protect the rights of premium cigar retailers across the...

2025 Crystal Ball: PCA Prepares for State Legislative Sessions

It’s that time of year. Pumpkins, holidays, leaves changing, and…the filing of a few hundred pieces of legislation that could impact the premium cigar and pipe industry. The Premium Cigar...

New Certain Tobacco Age-of-Sale Requirements Go Into Effect

September 30, 2024, marks the beginning of new certain tobacco age-of-sale requirements. As of this date, retailers must verify with a photo ID the age of anyone who is under the age of 30 who is...

2023 Premium Cigar Association Year in Review

This past year was another terrific year in which we were able to utilize the momentum of the tremendous 2022 to propel our organization and the industry to a whole new level. As we look forward to...

PCA Endorses Wisconsin Cigar Bar Legislation

This week, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) endorsed new legislation that would allow cigar bars in Wisconsin for the first time since 2009. Assembly Bill 451 removes the date, June 3, 2009, by...

PCA Leadership: Thank you for Supporting Victory Against the FDA

Last week we have achieved something that many thought we never could: VICTORY over the deeming rule and the FDA’s overreaching efforts to stifle our industry, livelihoods, and our passion! Whether...

The FDA’s Final Deeming Rule is Vacated: What Does That Mean?

“The FDA’s Final Deeming Rule is vacated insofar as it applies to premium cigars.” But what does that mean? The given court ruling has implications related to a legal case involving Plaintiffs and...

New Certain Tobacco Age-of-Sale Requirements Go Into Effect

September 30, 2024, marks the beginning of new certain tobacco age-of-sale requirements. As of this date, retailers must verify with a photo ID the age of anyone who is under the age of 30 who is...

FDA Issues Final Rule for Tobacco 21

At long last, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) has released its Final Rule for implementing T-21, including requirements for age verification of patrons...

PCA Objects to New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments Bill

[Mon, August 22, 2022 — Washington, DC] Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) submitted evidence to be considered by the New Zealand Parliament in an effort to revise the Smokefree...

Court Blocks FDA Product Approval Requirements for Premium Cigars

In the case of Cigar Association of America, the Premium Cigar Association, and Cigar Rights of America v. United States Food and Drug Administration et al., Judge Amit P. Mehta of the...

Rep. Meuser Hosts Cigar Policy Roundtable

Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Cigar Caucus, hosted a Cigar Policy Roundtable to provide Members of Congress insight on how proposed policies and regulations would...

US Court of Appeals Unanimously Strikes Down Warning Labels

Washington, DC, July 7, 2020 —The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA) are pleased that a unanimous panel of the United States Court of Appeals for...

Supreme Court Decision Checks Potential FDA Overreach

The recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Chevron deference has sent shockwaves through the regulatory world, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) facing significant potential...

Generational Bans: A Prohibition That’s Bigger Than Tobacco

First, it was New Zealand, saying, “Hey, let’s ban access to a perfectly legal product, in a manner that if you’re fifty years old, yet born after January 2007, you’re still not allowed to purchase...

Continuing the Legacy of the Premium Cigar Association

For 91 years, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has consistently spearheaded the industry’s growth and well-being. Having joined in 2019, I was excited about the opportunity to fight for our...

How Bad Ideas Spread: Minneapolis, Minnesota Sets A Bad Precedent

Over the course of the last week, it has taken a moment to digest yet another bad national precedent by the forces of tobacco control. On the heels of communities in Massachusetts adopting...

Memberships

PCA membership gives you and your business a direct connection to every facet of the industry, providing exceptional opportunities for networking and growth, offering business support, advocacy, education and year-round buying opportunities.

Retailer

Open to Premium Tobacconists, Cigar Lounges and other Premium Tobacco Retailers.

As a Retailer member, you have access to a suite of resources! From tools to help you develop relationships with partners in the industry to information on the latest trends, the PCA is your one-stop-shop for your premium tobacco business.

Associate

Open to manufacturers, distributors or service providers who serve or supply PCA Retail members.

Want to get your premium cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, or accessories in front of the largest retailer buying group in the world? With 3,000+ retail stores throughout the US, the PCA brings more buyers directly to you than any other single source.

Industry Partner

Open to Suppliers, Distributors, Brokers and Media.

Suppliers, Distributors, Brokers and Media all play vital roles in helping the premium tobacco industry thrive. As industry partners, you have the unique ability to add your voice to the fight, attend the annual convention and trade show for insider participation and knowledge, and support the industry.

Alliance Member

PCA Alliance is available to premium cigar-friendly businesses such as wineries, breweries, restaurants, country golf clubs, and individual consumers who want to do their part to support those businesses that sell premium cigars and pipe tobacco products. The PCA Alliance is an avenue to support the industry’s advocacy through financial support and participation.

PCA26

PCA membership gives you and your business a direct connection to every facet of the industry, providing exceptional opportunities for networking and growth, offering business support, advocacy, education and year-round buying opportunities.

Register for PCA26

Exhibiting at PCA

Book Travel

Sponsorship Opportunities

PCA offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities so you can decide which channels will help you reach your goals and get the most brand exposure to fit your budget.

Sponsorship Opportunities

PCA offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities so you can decide which channels will help you reach your goals and get the most brand exposure to fit your budget.

Take Action

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) advocates for retail tobacconists at both state and federal levels. The State Legislative Affairs Team monitors and influences state legislation, educates officials, and supports laws that help tobacconists thrive. Similarly, the Federal Affairs Team tracks federal legislation, engages with Congress, and works to ease regulatory burdens, promoting a favorable environment for the premium tobacco industry nationwide.

Join us and take action now on state and federal legislative matters concerning your premium cigar and pipe tobacco business.

Take Action

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) advocates for retail tobacconists at both state and federal levels. The State Legislative Affairs Team monitors and influences state legislation, educates officials, and supports laws that help tobacconists thrive. Similarly, the Federal Affairs Team tracks federal legislation, engages with Congress, and works to ease regulatory burdens, promoting a favorable environment for the premium tobacco industry nationwide.

Join us and take action now on state and federal legislative matters concerning your premium cigar and pipe tobacco business.

“PCA membership to me is not about one single thing, like the trade show or lobbying. It’s our premium tobacconist community that brings us together to learn from each other, grow together, combine our voices to effect real change to help our entire industry.”
Harris Saunders, Cigars and More

Contact PCA

Have a question you haven’t yet found an answer to? We’re here to help!