From the Editor

Well this is it, despite months of ‘will they won’t they’, the most draconian of anti-smoking measures is about to envelop the entire country – a total ban.

However, thanks to ITPAC and others’ tireless campaigning, it looks like an exemption has been made for the specialist tobacconists to allow sampling in the shop.

This chink of light is very important.

Staff development, sampling cigars as they come in and even developing new blends of tobacco are how the specialists ply their trade and build up the wealth of knowledge customers rely on.

We must remember not to abuse this breathing space in any way, because the Government could easily take it away.

As cigar smokers we are ambassadors for our fellow kind so choice and consideration should be our watch words, and not tit for tat tactics.

This is really the key to educating the public in the face of such near overwhelming opposition.

As for the rest of us it is easy to see how the ban will affect us by looking north to Scotland and west to Ireland.

There is anecdotal evidence that some cigarette smokers are swapping their tiny sticks for a decent cigar looking for a better smoke in the time they have.

The message you get from meeting fellow smokers is that we will not go quietly into the dark night…however we may go outside for a little while to enjoy our favourite smokes.

One thing forcing smokers outside has created is an interesting social phenomena called ‘smirting’. Logical really smoking and flirting. There you are, both in the same boat huddled outside – or basking in the warmth of a comfortable smoking area – and you chat.

Apparently in Ireland and Scotland things have been hotting up so much outside pubs and bars that even the non-smokers are coming outside to join in on the action.

The ban has also changed the way people are smoking. More people are switching to shorter, fatter cigars during the day, saving the big sticks for special occasions or the evenings at home.

Ok so it’s not the best thing in the world but as you can see people are working and adapting under the ban.

One thing is for certain, the decades of tradition behind the cigar trade will ensure it will not simply go away, it will meet the challenges head on, adapt and overcome.

By Rob Allanson

Section : From the Editor

Page number : 3

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 11 on 11/05/2007.

This article is 21 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	From the Editor Well this is it, despite months of ‘will they won’t they’, the most draconian of anti-smoking measures is about to envelop the entire country – a total ban. However, thanks to ITPAC and others’ tireless campaigning, it looks like an exemption has been made for the specialist tobacconists to allow sampling in the shop. This chink of light is very important. Staff development, sampling cigars as they come in and even developing new blends of tobacco are how the specialists ply their trade and build up the wealth of knowledge customers rely on. We must remember not to abuse this breathing space in any way, because the Government could easily take it away. As cigar smokers we are ambassadors for our fellow kind so choice and consideration should be our watch words, and not tit for tat tactics. This is really the key to educating the public in the face of such near overwhelming opposition. As for the rest of us it is easy to see how the ban will affect us by looking north to Scotland and west to Ireland. There is anecdotal evidence that some cigarette smokers are swapping their tiny sticks for a decent cigar looking for a better smoke in the time they have. The message you get from meeting fellow smokers is that we will not go quietly into the dark night…however we may go outside for a little while to enjoy our favourite smokes. One thing forcing smokers outside has created is an interesting social phenomena called ‘smirting’. Logical really smoking and flirting. There you are, both in the same boat huddled outside – or basking in the warmth of a comfortable smoking area – and you chat. Apparently in Ireland and Scotland things have been hotting up so much outside pubs and bars that even the non-smokers are coming outside to join in on the action. The ban has also changed the way people are smoking. More people are switching to shorter, fatter cigars during the day, saving the big sticks for special occasions or the evenings at home. Ok so it’s not the best thing in the world but as you can see people are working and adapting under the ban. One thing is for certain, the decades of tradition behind the cigar trade will ensure it will not simply go away, it will meet the challenges head on, adapt and overcome. By Rob Allanson Section : From the Editor Page number : 3 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 11 on 11/05/2007. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 21 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2009. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.