I’ve been a cigar smoker since I was a young man, so when someone asks me about the popularity of cigars, I say they’ve always been popular with me. But there’s no question that cigars have gone through some very dynamic periods over the years.
Back when the Cigar Association of America was formed in 1937 as the Cigar Manufacturer’s Association, the number and variety of cigars was growing fast in the U.S. and the manufacturers realized they needed a group to represent them across the country. That’s continued up to today.
In a real sense, the popularity of cigars requires a stronger role for our Association and our members. As more young adults decided to spend some quality time with cigars in the 1990s, it was no coincidence that cigars seemed to get more unpopular with the anti-tobacco people in the federal government and in the states. That’s when the manufacturers and others in the business of cigars decided that we needed to step up our game.
We had been very comfortable in a reporting relationship to our members, communicating with them about conditions in the industry and the status of regulations and the like. But it became clear to us that we had gotten a target on our backs and we made a big change. Instead of focusing intensely on simply informing members, we made a significant move to advocacy. Fifteen years ago we had representation in about five states. Now the number if 48 and in reality, we cover all 50 states.
Our very talented network of advocates and legislative specialists will be active across the country in state capitals and municipalities again this year.
After working in a record 25 states seeking new taxes on cigars in 2011, we saw the number of revenue battles decline to 18 in 2012. We expect to see about the same number this year. More than a dozen states are attempting new taxes and regulation on little cigars. Last year, we went 9-0 in regulatory fights over flavorings in state legislatures against anti-cigar activists and the battle is gearing up again for 2013. And up to 10 states will consider restrictions or bans on cigar smoking, retailing and hospitality.
As they say in the news business, ‘don’t touch that dial.’ Here on our website, www.cigarassociation.org, we will be working harder than ever to inform and advocate on behalf of cigar customers and businesses, to build understanding of the cigar business and efforts to protect enjoyment of cigars. Stay tuned.
