Washington, D.C. – Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA) celebrate the passage of HB 1229 in North Dakota, which allows the establishment of cigar lounges in the state. The legislation was signed yesterday by Governor Doug Burgum.

Washington, D.C. – The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today expressed its appreciation to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for vetoing the harmful 25% cigar tax hike in H.B. 547. The veto shields New Mexico premium cigar retailers from the adverse consequences such a drastic tax increase would have on their business.

PCA Director of State Advocacy, Glynn Loope, said, “We are grateful to Governor Grisham for recognizing the impact this tax increase would have had on small businesses and consumers in New Mexico, especially during these challenging times. Her decision to veto the cigar tax will undoubtedly work to keep sales of premium cigars in New Mexico.”

However, actions by the legislature to strip the cigar tax cap during the session need to be addressed. Loope stated, “Last week, I spoke to the Governor’s Office on this issue. Procedurally, her hands were tied. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and legislative allies to revisit this matter in the 2024 session.”

Loope continued, “We are pleased that the legislation that would have banned flavored tobacco products, as well as legislation that would have granted local governments sweeping authority over tobacco products failed to advance. We appreciate all of our premium cigar advocates, both retailers and consumers alike, who let their voices be heard on these issues.”

PCA represents over 3,000 members nationwide, including retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of premium cigars, and works to protect the interests of the premium cigar industry. The association has been advocating for the protection of premium cigars from harmful regulation, taxes, and other measures that threaten the industry.

Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce the release of the limited 601 Orange and 601 Yellow.

Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) in partnership with its member tobacconists of Idaho, are pleased to announce that Governor Brad Little has signed legislation calling for a fifty-cent tax cap on the sale of cigars.

March 3, 2023– C.L.E. Cigar Company announces the release of the Asylum April Fools’ 2023. The Asylum April Fools’ 2023is the thirdin a series of cigars that are released yearly on April Fools’ Day April 1^st, 2023). Asylum, known for its bold and edgy cigars, promises to stay true to its reputation with this latest version of the April Fool’s Day cigar blend. Updated packaging and a nod to the Chinese Zodiac separates this from the previous two versions.

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) announces today that the company is returning as an exhibitor to the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show which takes place on July 7-11 at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Hudson, NH – United Cigars has enhanced their flagship United Cigars Line and will now be rolled in the traditional round shape. United Cigars is not just the name of the company, or their flagship brand, it is an
American Icon. The company’s rich origins stretch back over a century, delivering unique experiences to cigar enthusiasts since 1901. Since reigniting United Cigars in 2010, it has been their mission to continue improving on their products and services to their retail partners and consumers. As part of that pursuit, the new format for the United Cigars line will begin shipping in Mid-April.

[Washington, DC — Fri, March 24, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced today that the 2024 Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held March 22-25, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This marks a change from the traditional summer time trade show to earlier in the year. PCA is currently negotiating contracts for the 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show for an early spring date in a new location and expects to announce that in the coming weeks.

PCA | March 23, 2023

PCA POSITION/STRATEGY

The Premium Cigar Association is actively working with state associations, retailers, and coalition partners to introduce and support tax cap legislation in the states. The goal of this state legislation is to reduce the tax burden on retailers and consumers, alike, and to create a robust marketplace to sell premium cigars. The association aims to support legislation that can provide relief to the most number of products sold by our retail members, and to use the available definitions of cigars, that can best suit the legislative climate in a given state. The “large cigar” tax definition encompasses the most number of products, but because of it’s inclusion of non-premium machine made and flavored cigars, the use of this definition is not acceptable in every state. To pursue tax relief in more challenging legislative environments, the association will utilize the definition of “premium cigars” used by the Judge Amit Mehta opinion in Cigar Association et al v. Food & Drug Administration. Tax caps for premium cigars are essential in promoting a robust brick and mortar marketplace, especially in states with challenging tobacco tax and regulatory environments. 

[Washington, DC — Tue, March 21, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced today the hiring of Antoine Reid as its new Director of Content. In this new role, Reid will be responsible for overseeing content creation and production for PCA’s various platforms, utilizing PCA’s unique industry position to connect content with retailers, manufactuers, and consumers. In addition, Reid will leverage high-quality content to engage consumers to raise PCA’s profile to enhance comsumer engagement in grassroots advocacy efforts. Antoine’s first day is Tues., March 21.

Hudson, NH- Spring Training is in full swing and with our national pastime’s opening day around the corner it is the perfect time for the Big Papi Firecracker to step back into the batter’s box. Featuring a dark, rich Mexican wrapper grown in the San Andres Valley, the Big Papi Firecracker explodes with flavor right from the start. Returning for MLB’s Opening Day, the Big Papi Firecracker is back as part of United Cigars collaboration project with Artista.

March 14, 2023 — Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) will begin shipping the Limited Release, S&R, and the new RORSCHACH SUMATRA. Both are hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.

[Washington, DC — Tue, March 14, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association has completed its initial analysis of the Proposed Rule for Tobacco product Manufacturing Practices published in the Federal Register on March 10th, 2023. The nearly 300-page document contains several provisions that will affect the “business of specialty tobacco retailing” both domestically in the United States and commerce internationally. Because a federal court has held that the FDA acted arbitrarily and capriciously in deeming premium cigars subject to the Act, it is the PCA’s position that FDA lacks jurisdiction to apply this rule to premium cigars. The PCA will urge the agency, and if necessary, the courts, to make clear that the proposed rule should not, cannot, and will not reach premium cigars. Furthermore, the proposed rule has several fundamental flaws in it that would inordinately harm smaller manufactures and lead to overall market contraction that would limit the products offered on retail shelves.

LAMPERT CIGARS has begun shipping “FAMILY RESERVE 2022”, a 6 x 52 TORO, to retailers.

Dunbarton, NH – Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust® (DTT) is currently taking pre-orders for “Krakatoa”, its newest addition to their much-heralded Muestra de Saka line. The deadline for pre-orders is Friday, March 24th, 2023.

[Washington, DC — March 10, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association submitted a comment to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in response to their solicitation of feedback on “Broadening Public Engagement in the Federal Regulatory Process”.

LAMPERT CIGARS will be unveiling its newest line – Edición MORADO and it has started shipping to select shops. The widespread release is expected in mid-April.