Alloutside for summer

Edinburgh is booming and despite the impending smoking ban, so is its cigar industry. Ian Buxton reports on how the hedonists remain defiant

Edinburgh is generally rated one of the best places to live in the United Kingdom, scoring high in ‘quality of life’ polls for its mix of architecture, history, modern amenities and cultural facilities.

Add this to the burgeoning growth in the Scottish public sector based around the new Scottish Parliament, housed near the historic Palace of Holyrood, and new jobs in finance and electronics and things look bright for Scotland’s capital city.

Yet there are clouds on the horizon. The city’s infrastructure struggles to cope with traffic (made worse by the Council’s ‘traffic calming’ policies) and smokers will be hit by the Scottish Executive’s draconian plans to ban all smoking in enclosed public spaces. That means no smoking at all in pubs, clubs and restaurants – hardly conducive to good cigar sales.

Current plans are for the legislation to receive Royal Assent in the Autumn and come into operation by Spring 2006.

However, on Leith Walk in the north of the city, Alan Myerthall of the Little Havana Cigar Store is positively bullish.

“Sales are going like a train,” he told me. “In fact, our cigar trade has never been better.”

Having been established since 1957, Alan has built up a loyal clientele who trust him for good service and keen prices.

“Havanas are going particularly well, but business is up straight across the board from budget sticks to top-end limited editions. I am even seeing the return of American customers who’ve been absent for the past few years.”

Previ.....

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By Ian Buxton

Section : City Watch

Page number : 8

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 4 on 10/05/2005.

This article is 87 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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	Alloutside for summer Edinburgh is booming and despite the impending smoking ban, so is its cigar industry. Ian Buxton reports on how the hedonists remain defiant Edinburgh is generally rated one of the best places to live in the United Kingdom, scoring high in ‘quality of life’ polls for its mix of architecture, history, modern amenities and cultural facilities. Add this to the burgeoning growth in the Scottish public sector based around the new Scottish Parliament, housed near the historic Palace of Holyrood, and new jobs in finance and electronics and things look bright for Scotland’s capital city. Yet there are clouds on the horizon. The city’s infrastructure struggles to cope with traffic (made worse by the Council’s ‘traffic calming’ policies) and smokers will be hit by the Scottish Executive’s draconian plans to ban all smoking in enclosed public spaces. That means no smoking at all in pubs, clubs and restaurants – hardly conducive to good cigar sales. Current plans are for the legislation to receive Royal Assent in the Autumn and come into operation by Spring 2006. However, on Leith Walk in the north of the city, Alan Myerthall of the Little Havana Cigar Store is positively bullish. “Sales are going like a train,” he told me. “In fact, our cigar trade has never been better.” Having been established since 1957, Alan has built up a loyal clientele who trust him for good service and keen prices. “Havanas are going particularly well, but business is up straight across the board from budget sticks to top-end limited editions. I am even seeing the return of American customers who’ve been absent for the past few years.” Previ..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By Ian Buxton Section : City Watch Page number : 8 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 4 on 10/05/2005. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 87 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 © 1999-2012. 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.