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 bans on the sale of all tobacco products or imposing “generational sales bans,” where legal-age adults will be forbidden to purchase a cigar, Minneapolis City Councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw comes along with her sweeping tobacco control ordinance, which will assuredly get the attention of others.
Not only does the measure set inordinately high minimum prices for all tobacco products (except vape!), but it also imposes new regulations for “sampling” a cigar in the only place in Minneapolis that you can do so – Anthony’s Pipe & Cigar Lounge. The ordinance limits “sampling” to “15 minutes per hour.” Honestly, you can’t make this up.
Although not adopted, there were proposed amendments to force the removal of the shop’s chairs. Seriously.
The owner of Anthony’s Pipe & Cigar Lounge sought to work with the city council on the proposal. He even offered to change the name of his business by dropping the word “lounge” from its name. He invited members of the city council to his shop to view what makes a traditional cigar shop unique. Councilwoman Vetaw came in, and left, with the same resolve: the enjoyment and sampling of a cigar must stop.
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) provided Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis City Council with testimony, noting the lack of adverse public health consequences associated with premium handmade cigars and the lack of youth access and appeal. The council remained committed to a “one size fits all” approach and passed the ordinance unanimously.
This ordinance infringes upon a single small business in Minneapolis, Anthony’s Pipe & Cigar Lounge, and other small businesses that sell legal tobacco products. It sets a concerning precedent for those who wish to challenge the state statutory protection of “sampling.” Beyond Minnesota, others wanting to threaten the enjoyment of a cigar or pipe will also surely take note.
PCA and associated industry partners will evaluate alternatives, and legal counsel to Anthony’s Pipe & Cigar Lounge has not ruled out litigation. No matter the path, it is crucial that such bad decisions are challenged.
– Article by Glynn Loope, Director of State Advocacy at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA). Photo: Adobe Stock.