Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced that Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards signed legislation supporting the industry, strengthening the association’s preeminent national trade show.
Governor Edwards signed H.B. 111, which extends the tax-exempt status for cigars and pipe tobacco sampled at the industry’s trade show when it is held in New Orleans until 2030. Representative Jason Hughes sponsored the legislation. The bill passed the House of Representatives 96-2 and the Senate 38-0.
Scott Pearce, PCA Executive Director, stated, “We sincerely appreciate this act of the Louisiana legislature and the signature by the Governor for this important bill. With there being so few places across the nation capable of hosting the trade show, this is another action that depicts support and a sense of welcome for our industry.”
New Orleans & Company, the former New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented testimony in support of the bill noting that the trade show has a $13.9 million economic impact on the state and city.
Glynn Loope, Director of State Advocacy for PCA stated, “PCA was pleased to endorse this legislation and extends its appreciation to Representative Hughes and the Governor for their support. The bipartisan nature of this action and the margins of its passage in the House and Senate clearly depicts how New Orleans and the State of Louisiana welcome the industry.”