On March 11, Sarah Alhasnawi provided a commentary in News from the States addressing the recently passed cigar bar legislation in the South Dakota legislature. The commentary immediately opens with a contentious point. It states, “South Dakota voters have already made their position clear: They want smoke-free public spaces.”
The issue here is, cigar bars are not “public spaces.” They are private property, and we are invited into their privately owned place of business to enjoy a cigar and cocktail in an adult-only environment. Not in a government owned building, park, school, or associated “public” space, but a private place of business.
The commentary goes on to cite the 2009 passage of the smoke-free ballot initiative. The issue here is that not all tobacco products are created equal. H.B. 1215 has guardrails included to address this. It only allows one permit per jurisdiction, so they won’t be popping up like coffee shops on every street corner, and they will only allow the enjoyment of a narrowly defined premium cigar. No cigarettes. No vape. No e-cigarettes. No cannabis. No hookah. There is even a requirement to post this point in the establishment.
On this, the studies are clear. Premium handmade cigars are not to be equated with the public health issues associated with other products. The patterns of usage and lack of chemical manipulation allow cigars not to be equated with the issues of inhalation, addiction, and mortality. Further numerous government studies deem premium cigars statically insignificant on the issue of youth access. Strict card-check laws further ensure this compliance.
The commentary then alludes to the “consequences” of H.B. 1215 and how it is a “gift to Big Tobacco.” If Ms. Alhasnawi knew about the industry and products, she would know that premium handmade cigars are not produced by “Big Tobacco.”
They are predominantly produced by small family-owned companies, employing skilled artisans, producing each cigar by hand, as taught from generation to generation. All those statistics on healthcare costs, simply don’t apply. “Big Tobacco” didn’t seek this legislation. Some local adults with an interest in enjoying themselves did.
We commend the 63 members of the South Dakota House of Representatives, 28 members of the Senate and the signature of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden on this legislation recognizing, there is a difference.
– Article contributed by the PCA Government Affairs team.