Please note that any information provided below is done so as a courtesy to Milan Tobacconists' customers and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Milan staff. Give us a call toll free at 877.70MILAN or send an email to customercare@milantobacco.com if you have questions, concerns, or comments!
Please click on the links below to view an announcement of particular interest or scroll down the page to view all announcements: »  IPCPR Update on Proposed Federal Pipe Tobacco Tax Increase (HR 4439) (2/26/10) »  Brothers and Sisters of the Briar Gather Worldwide at Noon on Saturday, February 20th. (2/19/10) »  IPCPR Provides a Legislative Action Alert Link to Make Your Voice Heard on HR 4439 (1/25/10) »  Our Perspective on HR 4439 – The Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010 - By David and Renée Meyer, Owners of Milan Tobacconists (1/24/10) »  Just Say No! to a Parade Magazine Outdoor Smoking Ban Poll (12/9/09) »  Smoking Ban Takes Effect in Virginia - By David and Renée Meyer (12/1/09) »  IPCPR Files Public Comment with FDA Regarding Cigars (11/6/09) »  Distributors Urging FDA to Clarify Flavored Cigarette-Only Retail Sales Restrictions (9/18/09) »  IPCPR Update on FDA Tobacco Control Regulations (9/16/09) »  CNN Story Highlights Just One Story From SCHIP Fallout (8/27/09) »  Cigar Rights of America Issues Challenge to Virginia's Cigar Smokers! (7/29/09) »  President Obama Signs FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill (6/22/09) »  FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill Passes Senate and House; Now On to President for Signing (6/12/09) »  Senate Debates FDA Regulation of Tobacco (6/4/09) »  Senate Panel Approves Bill to Give FDA Authority to Regulate Smoking (5/22/09) »  Senator Edward Kennedy Introduces Bill to Regulate Smoking (5/6/09) »  FDA Tobacco Bill Passes U.S. House - HR1256 Excludes Cigars, Pipe Tobacco From Potential FDA Regulation (4/2/09) »  Kaine Signs Virginia Smoking Ban Bill - By David and Renée Meyer (3/11/09) »  Virginia's General Assembly Passes Smoking Ban Bill - By David and Renée Meyer (2/19/09) »  Virginia's Smoking Ban Bill Heads to Conference Committee - By David and Renée Meyer (2/18/09) »  Virginia's Senate Rejects House Amendments to Virginia's Smoking Ban Legislation - By David and Renée Meyer (2/17/09) »  Where [We Think] Things Stand with Virginia's Smoking Ban Legislation - By David and Renée Meyer (2/16/09) »  Virginia's Governor Kaine, State Legislators Announce Agreement to Ban Smoking in Restaurants (2/5/09) »  New SCHIP Legislation Affects You - A Message from David and Renée Meyer, Owners of Milan Tobacconists (2/4/09) »  Virginia Senate Committee Approves Smoking Ban Legislation - The Associated Press (1/29/09) »  SCHIP Legislation Introduced, Including 40-Cent Cap on Premium Cigars - International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (1/13/09) »  IPCPR Warns of Economic Impact from Virginia Smoking Ban (1/8/09) »  Learn About Tobacco Legislation In Your State (12/9/08)
IPCPR Update on Proposed Federal Pipe Tobacco Tax Increase (HR 4439) (2/26/10) As of today, H.R. 4439 - the proposed federal legislation to increase the pipe tobacco tax to the same rate of the roll your own tobacco tax - has little life or attention in Congress. Lobbyists from the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), the Pipe Tobacco Council (a division of the Cigar Association of America (CAA)), and others have met with key members of Congress to discuss and detail our industry's opposition to the bill. H.R. 4439 is currently sitting in the U.S. House of Representatives' Ways & Means Committee. No hearings or further action has been scheduled at this time nor does the IPCRP expect any immediate action. Several more meetings are scheduled with Congress in the coming days. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
Brothers and Sisters of the Briar Gather Worldwide at Noon on Saturday, February 20th. (2/19/10) St. Louis, Missouri, will be a center of the pipe smoking world at noon this Saturday, February 20th. That’s when International Pipe Smoking Day will be celebrated at the 22nd Annual Gateway Area Pipe Show at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center. Local briar lovers will be raising their pipes in a salute to their pipe smoking brothers and sisters around the world as a show of friendship and unity that reaches across all borders, according to Bob Callaway, spokesperson for the St. Louis Pipe Club, sponsor of the show. International Pipe Smoking Day was designated by a group on Smokers Forums three years ago as a day on which pipe smokers everywhere could tell their story and educate others about the rich history and traditions of the noble art of pipe smoking. The group dedicated it to the worldwide community of pipe smokers that is bound together by a shared love of pipes, pipe collecting, and the social aspect of pipe smoking. They respect informed choice and the responsible adult use of smoking tobacco and envision a world where governments act in good faith and integrity. "International Pipe Smoking Day provides an opportunity for briar lovers everywhere to stand up and demonstrate with pride that we are still enjoying our pipes despite all the restrictions and increased tobacco taxes that the anti-tobacco forces have imposed on us. They just don't understand the significant benefits that pipe smoking offers," Callaway said. International Pipe Smoking Day is supported by the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) of some 2,000 retailers of premium tobacco products, including Milan Tobacconists; the International Committee of Pipe Clubs, which has members in more than 25 countries; and by the United Pipe Clubs of America, with its more than 20 member clubs in the United States. Many other pipe clubs in this country and abroad also will hold special events on or around February 20 to mark the day. "Our motto is 'Relax with Your Pipe' and that's the idea we want to get across," says Vernon Vig, President of UPCA which, according to the organization’s website, was founded in 2002 to promote and protect the interests of the American pipe smoking community. "Pipe smokers are mature, considerate adults. We don't want to bother anyone, and all we ask in return is a little common sense and consideration on the part of others," said Vig. For more information, visit www.ipsd.eu; www.unitedpipeclubs.org, www.smokersforums.co.uk, and www.pipeclubs.com.
IPCPR Provides a Legislative Action Alert Link to Make Your Voice Heard on HR 4439 (1/25/10) As of today, HR 4439 (see article below) still remains quiet in the House Ways and Means Committee. No hearing or other action has been scheduled at this writing. However, with the groundswell of grassroots efforts that has developed among pipe smokers, retailers, and others in opposition to HR 4439, the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) has proactively initiated a Legislative Action Alert to complement and support this movement, complete with suggested talking points. Please click the link below to make your voice heard on this issue: * IPCPR Legislative Action Alert Page * We continue to closely monitor any news or progress and will provide updates accordingly.
Our Perspective on HR 4439 – The Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010 - By David and Renée Meyer, Owners of Milan Tobacconists (1/24/10) There has been a great buzz of concern blanketing the Internet regarding HR 4439 – The Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010, which was introduced in Congress on January 13, 2010. If you are not yet familiar with the bill’s intent, it is “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose the same rate of tax on pipe tobacco as is imposed on roll-your-own tobacco.” Click the bolded link to view the actual bill -> Library of Congress. A small bill with big implications to be sure – an increase in pipe tobacco tax from $2.8311 to $24.78 per pound – but how concerned should we be at this point? On Friday (1/22), Milan Tobacconists was provided with the following update from the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), of which we are a member: HR 4439, the Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010, introduced on January 13, 2010, would tax pipe tobacco at the same rate ($24.78 per pound) as roll-your-own tobacco. The sponsors are Representatives Steve Cohen (Dem., TN) and Lloyd Doggett (Dem., TX). HR4439 has been referred to the House Ways & Means Committee of which Mr. Doggett, an anti-tobacco advocate, is a member. The bill is not yet on that committee's radar scope.   The Cigar Association of America (CAA) and Public Strategies-Washington (PSW), IPCPR's federal lobbyists, are actively working on the issue to ensure its defeat before it gains any momentum and advances through the legislative process.   Last month Liggett Group tried to get similar legislation included in the Senate's proposed health care legislation currently being considered in Congress. That effort was unsuccessful. We believe the bill was not introduced to “target” pipe smokers; rather, it was a direct response to the roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) industry’s practice of relabeling their cigarette tobacco as pipe tobacco to circumvent the RYO tax. It is even speculated that one of the “big tobacco” companies suggested introduction of this bill because the RYO industry was gaining a competitive edge on cigarette manufacturers with the relabeling/tax avoidance maneuver. Back to the question of “how concerned should we be at this point?” Using a risk scale of “Low — Guarded — Elevated — High — Severe,” Milan Tobacconists is “Guarded.” We are not being complacent by any means, nor should you. We have shared our opinions and concerns with government representatives, and will continue to closely monitor the bill’s movement (if any) in committee. Updates will be posted here. Please take a moment to contact your representative in the U.S. House of Representatives and share your thoughts regarding the proposed bill by visiting the link below: * US House of Representatives – Write Your Representative Site *
Just Say No! to a Parade Magazine Outdoor Smoking Ban Poll (12/9/09) Parade Magazine, one of the broadest nationally circulated consumer periodicals, is running a poll on its website — the question: "Should smoking be banned outdoors?" We hope you'll follow the link below to read a short article, then vote No!...or Yes. It is still a free country after all, isn't it? * Should Smoking Be Banned Outdoors? *
Smoking Ban Takes Effect in Virginia- By David and Renée Meyer (12/1/09) 'No Smoking' signs went up and ashtrays disappeared on Tuesday signaling to customers that the smoking ban was in effect in the Commonwealth of Virginia. On the first day of the state ban on smoking inside restaurants, police and state officials did not storm into bars looking for lawbreakers. Instead, enforcement of the law will be left to business owners and customers according to Health Department officials. Over the next several months, health inspectors will be focusing their efforts on restaurants and bars listed as smoking establishments and, if they find infractions, they'll write a health-code violation and work with the business owner to address it. If an owner refuses to comply, police can write a court summons. Customers will be able to report a noncompliant business as well. Governor Tim Kaine signed the smoking ban bill into law in March 2009, which prohibits smoking in businesses that serve food unless there's a separate ventilation system for smoking areas or an outdoor area. Private clubs are exempt.
IPCPR Files Public Comment with FDA Regarding Cigars (11/6/09) The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) filed its public comment with the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 4th. This public comment details the demographics of member businesses (Milan Tobacconists is a member) and the differences between premium cigars and other tobacco products, among other statements. To view the document as a PDF, please click here -> IPCPR Public Comment Document As the FDA develops its regulations as directed by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (H.R. 1256), recently approved by Congress and signed into law by the President, the IPCPR felt it important to state its position in relation to this statute and reaffirm to the FDA that cigars were not intended for regulation by Congress. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
Distributors Urging FDA to Clarify Flavored Cigarette-Only Retail Sales Restrictions (9/18/09) The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) has received several communications from retailers in different parts of the country informing the IPCPR of visits from Health and Human Services (HSS) officers. The FDA is a sub-agency of the HHS. These officers have been purchasing flavored cigarettes and flavored cigarillos. While the IPCPR has not been provided definitive reasons by the FDA for these purchases, they believe it may be for comparison reasons—to differentiate between the two products. Additionally, the FDA disseminated a letter dated September 14, 2009, reminding retailers and distributors of the pending flavored cigarette sales prohibition to take effect on September 22nd. In that letter, the FDA caused confusion in its declaration that a flavored cigarette packaged as a "flavored" cigar would be included in this sales ban. According to the FDA regulatory authority bill approved by Congress and signed into law by the President, only flavored cigarette retail sales are to be prohibited on September 22nd. No other flavored tobacco products, including flavored cigars, are included at this time. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
IPCPR Update on FDA Tobacco Control Regulations (9/16/09) Chris McCalla, Legislative Director for International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) stated that the FDA is currently seeking general comments from the public as it prepares for its work in laying out additional tobacco control regulations. Once the FDA begins its formal work and initial release of its proposed regulations, the IPCPR will review the proposed regulations and potential comments and input for the final FDA regulations. The IPCPR is working closely with its federal lobbyists and other industry allies to ensure no more tobacco products are pulled into FDA regulation. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
CNN Story Highlights Just One Story From SCHIP Fallout (8/27/09) The Cable News Network (CNN) recently ran a story about how one employee of the now-closed Hav-A-Tampa cigar factory is helping out his fellow out-of-work employees. *Click Here to Watch Video Clip on CNN's Website* The irony of this story, also one of our points we worked hard to make during the SCHIP fight, is this jobless employee's children now qualify for the SCHIP program — the same program funded by the tobacco tax increase that ultimately contributed to Hav-A-Tampa's closing. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
Cigar Rights of America Issues Challenge to Virginia's Cigar Smokers! (7/29/09) Cigar Rights of America (CRA) Wants You - As a Member! CRA is a growing voice for cigar enthusiasts across the country, working in the local, state, and federal battles that threaten one of life's great pleasures and a moment so fundamental to the "pursuit of happiness" - a cigar among friends. In essence, CRA wants to protect your ability to enjoy great cigars with as little government regulation and taxation as possible. Now to the challenge. There is power in numbers, and CRA needs cigar voters to stand up and be counted because the bigger the voting block, the stronger the voice. Virginians are pivotal to the growth of CRA, so they have issued a special challenge - to have 250 CRA members from Virginia going into the next election season. Visit www.cigarrights.org/membership.htm to learn more about the benefits of joining CRA. Also, if a friend joins and lists you in the "Referred By" section, you will be eligible to participate in CRA's monthly drawing for fine cigar products - humidors, cigar cases, cutters, and lighters from the top manufacturers and distributors in the cigar industry. Milan Tobacconists is a A Great American Cigar Shop™ and Member of Cigar Rights of America's National Tobacconist Program.
President Obama Signs FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill (6/22/09) Signed by the President this afternoon, the long-sought legislation gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unprecedented authority to regulate tobacco. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act allows the FDA to cut nicotine in tobacco products, ban candy flavorings,and block labels such as "low tar" and "light." It will also require large warning signs on cigarette cartons. Although the bill does not allow the FDA to ban nicotine or tobacco, it will regulate what goes into tobacco products, make public the ingredients, and prohibit cigarette marketing campaigns targeting children. A recent Gallup Poll found that 52 percent of Americans disapprove of the new law expanding the federal government's power to regulate the manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products, with only 46 percent in support of it. Just 17 percent of those surveyed say smoking should be banned.
FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill Passes Senate and House; Now On to President for Signing (6/12/09) The U.S. House and Senate passed legislation today giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration broad authority over cigarettes and other tobacco products. The bill is on its way to the President to be signed into law. The measure bans most flavored products and print advertisements in publications aimed at children and teenagers, and also calls for larger package warnings and restricted vending machine sales. It also allows the FDA for the first time to monitor and inspect tobacco companies. Cigarette makers would have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in user fees, register with the agency, and provide a list of all the products they make as a result. The bill, passed by the Senate on Thursday, was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives in a 307-97 vote. President Obama said he will quickly sign the measure into law.
Senate Debates FDA Regulation of Tobacco (6/4/09) The U.S. Senate began debate Tuesday on whether to grant the Food and Drug Administration power to regulate tobacco products. A bill written by Democrats would let the FDA oversee the packaging, marketing, and manufacturing of cigarettes and other tobacco products. In an 84-11 procedural vote, the Senate agreed to start debate, which could continue into next week. Democrats have said they have enough votes to approve the tobacco legislation, but the margin could be slim.
Senate Panel Approves Bill to Give FDA Authority to Regulate Smoking (5/22/09) The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved a bill on Wednesday that gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco products. The full Senate may take up the measure as soon as the first week in June. The legislation, introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy (see article below), gives the FDA authority over tobacco, including the ability to ban certain smoking products. Many Senate Republicans object to giving the FDA power to regulate tobacco, however, saying that the agency is already having difficulty performing its drug-safety mission.
Senator Edward Kennedy Introduces Bill to Regulate Smoking (5/6/09) Senator Kennedy (D) of Massachusetts has introduced a bill in the Senate similar to one already passed by the House that gives the Federal Government the authority to regulate tobacco products. Senator Kennedy's bill was quietly offered Tuesday night and it is expected to pass with bipartisan support likely later this month or in June. The measure needs at least 60 votes to prevent a Senate filibuster and already has 40 co-sponsors from both parties. Kennedy, who is chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, has scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday to consider his bill. As noted in the article below, the House last month overwhelmingly passed a bill giving the Food and Drug Administration authority over how tobacco products are made, advertised, and sold. Any differences between the two bills would be worked out in a House-Senate conference committee. President Barack Obama supports FDA regulation of tobacco. The FDA could not ban tobacco, and tobacco farmers would not be subject to regulation. The costs of the new regulation would be covered by user fees imposed on tobacco companies and importers.
FDA Tobacco Bill Passes U.S. House - HR1256 Excludes Cigars, Pipe Tobacco From Potential FDA Regulation (4/2/09) By a strong 298-112 majority, the House today passed the bill to give FDA regulatory authority over tobacco, although the agency would not be empowered to ban cigarettes or other tobacco products. The Senate could take up its version of the bill after the two-week spring recess that begins this weekend, and supporters have expressed confidence they can overcome expected resistance from tobacco-state senators. The bill also is supported by President Obama; Democrats supported the bill by a 228-8 margin, while 70 Republicans voted for it, with 104 opposed. An alternative offered by Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Indiana, was defeated 284-142. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
Kaine Signs Virginia Smoking Ban Bill - By David and Renée Meyer (3/11/09) Monday, March 9, marked the day Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia signed legislation banning smoking in Virginia's bars and restaurants. Identical House and Senate bills HB1703 and SB1105 will ban smoking in nearly all of Virginia's restaurants, allowing exceptions for private clubs and restaurants with a designated smoking room that is physically separated and independently ventilated from non-smoking dining areas. The ban, which goes into effect on December 1, 2009, includes strong protections for both workers and patrons. Proprietors cannot require wait or bus staff to work in any area of the restaurant where smoking may be permitted. Additionally, restaurants that choose to have a separated structure for smoking must ensure that at least one public entrance to the restaurant is in a smoke-free area. Local health departments will inspect for compliance with the smoking prohibitions when completing other routine inspections. Smoking bans in a number of states exempt bars, but Virginia’s smoking ban will be one of the strongest in the region and amongst the top tobacco-producing states, because the legislation does not differentiate between bars and restaurants. To view the final (identical) House and Senate bills, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+HB1703ER or http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+SB1105ER.
Virginia's General Assembly Passes Smoking Ban Bill - By David and Renée Meyer (2/19/09) Various news sources are reporting that Virginia's General Assembly this afternoon passed a partial ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. The legislation restricts smoking to separately ventilated rooms in restaurants and private clubs. The House of Delegates voted 60-39 and the Senate voted 27-13 for the bill, which now heads to Governor Kaine who supports it. The version approved by the House and Senate today includes clarification to allow smoking in outdoor areas. The bill’s effective date is December 1, 2009. To view the amended Senate Bill 1105 proposed by the Joint Conference Committee, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+SB1105S2.
Virginia's Smoking Ban Bill Heads to Conference Committee - By David and Renée Meyer (2/18/09) Virginia's House of Delegates rejected the Senate's efforts to restore terms of a restaurant smoking ban the House amended last week. (See articles below for further details.) In one of the quickest voice votes on record (in under 30 seconds we're told), the House insisted on keeping the House Bill amendments intact. With the House and Senate at odds, this moves the bill to a conference committee where lawmakers from both houses will work out the differences.
Virginia's Senate Rejects House Amendments to Virginia's Smoking Ban Legislation - By David and Renée Meyer (2/17/09) Yesterday, Virginia's Senate removed House amendments that weakened a Senate bill seeking to ban virtually all smoking in bars and restaurants. According to various news sources, the Senate rejected the amendments in a 28-11 vote. Removed from the bill were House amendments to permit smoking in any establishment during hours that they did not admit minors or when the place is rented for a private function. Also removed was an amendment that required a separate smoking space in a restaurant to be divided by only a door, not a room with an independent ventilation system. The bill now goes back to the House of Delegates. If the House insists on its amendments, House and Senate negotiators will determine what type of bill goes to Governor Tim Kaine. It is believed that conference committee negotiations over the next few days will produce a version of the legislation both chambers can agree upon. A proposed compromise would impose the smoking ban in many bars and restaurants. Private clubs and facilities with separate smoking areas equipped with independent ventilation systems would be exempt from the prohibition. Also excluded would be facilities that allow smoking in outdoor patios with retractable window flaps. If passed by the legislature, the compromise legislation will take effect December 1, 2009.
Where [We Think] Things Stand with Virginia's Smoking Ban Legislation - By David and Renée Meyer (2/16/09) With the situation changing daily and sometimes hourly, it has been difficult to put our finger on where things stand with regard to Virginia's smoking ban legislation, but here is what we know. Virginia's Senate has passed SB 1105 Indoor Clean Air Act (prohibits smoking in all indoor restaurants and bar and lounge areas in the State). Virginia's House of Delegates has passed HB 1703 Indoor Clean Air Act (prohibits smoking in public building, restaurants, etc. with amendments). The Governor has made it clear that the House amendments introduced make the bill unacceptable, and the Senate likely agrees. We've learned from various news sources that Kaine believes the House amendments substantially diluted a compromise to sharply curb smoking in Virginia restaurants and breached a deal he made with House Republican leaders, although Kaine wouldn't commit to vetoing the measure if the House amendments remain. He particularly disliked a Republican amendment that would exempt any restaurant off-limits to minors from the smoking restrictions. Other amendments weakened requirements to create separately ventilated smoking rooms in eateries and exempt restaurants rented for private, invitation-only events. According to legislative sources, Kaine sat down with House and Senate leaders on Friday (2/13) in an effort to restore elements of his smoking ban proposal that would include most bars, in addition to restaurants. Smoking would only be allowed in enclosed rooms that are ventilated with fresh air from the outside. This latest agreement is scheduled to be announced today (2/16) and removes most of the House amendments. Smoking would be permitted in private clubs, but not in restaurants that hold private functions. The ban would apply to bars, regardless of whether minors are admitted. The outdoor patio exception will remain, but legislators still have to agree on what constitutes an outdoor patio. We think the legislation will end up in a conference committee at the end of the legislative session, then move on to the Governor. Depending on House action, the legislation may land in the April veto session. At that point, something closer to what Governor Kaine and Virginia House Speaker William Howell originally agreed upon can be the expected result. To view Senate Bill 1105, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+SB1105H1. To view House Bill 1703, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+HB1703EH1.
Virginia's Governor Kaine, State Legislators Announce Agreement to Ban Smoking in Restaurants (2/5/09) Governor Timothy M. Kaine and key leaders in the General Assembly today announced an agreement to pass a statewide smoking ban in Virginia's bars and restaurants. The legislation will ban smoking in nearly all restaurants across the Commonwealth, allowing narrow exceptions for private clubs and restaurants with a designated smoking room that is physically separated and independently ventilated from nonsmoking dining areas. Today's announcement comes after Governor Kaine worked closely with legislative leaders to craft an agreement acceptable to both parties and both houses. Virginia House Speaker William Howell also noted the agreement as a step forward for Virginians: "I am pleased to join in announcing a reasonable compromise on an issue important to Virginians," said Speaker Howell. "The compromise strikes a fair balance between the rights of smokers who choose to enjoy a legal product and the rights of other individuals who want to enjoy a smoke-free environment when eating at a restaurant. This legislation is all about finding opportunities for cooperation and compromise where possible. And, where state leaders can find and share such common ground, we should." The agreement makes Virginia part of a growing list of states around the country that are passing legislation curbing smoking in restaurants. Twenty-three other states and Puerto Rico have already passed bans on smoking indoors at bars and restaurants. Maryland and the District of Columbia passed similar restrictions on smoking in restaurants in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Excerpted from Governor Kaine's Press Release.
New SCHIP Legislation Affects You - A Message from David and Renée Meyer, Owners of Milan Tobacconists (2/4/09) Tobacconists and their customers are once again in the crosshairs of Federal tobacco tax increases. Please take a moment to read this important message. As you may already know, the Federal government has determined that a tobacco tax increase is a valid funding mechanism for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Most of the news has centered on cigarette tax increases, which doesn't significantly affect Milan Tobacconists or our customers. However, cigars and pipe tobacco face hefty tax increases as well, and that's where you will be directly affected. SCHIP is a federal program that provides health insurance through your state to children from families under, at, or near the poverty level. Now, of course, no one wants to see children go without health care, but the expansion broadens eligibility to such a degree that the children of legal immigrants are covered and, in certain cases, families with incomes at 300 percent of poverty level can enroll now - removing their children from private health insurance coverage and enrolling them in SCHIP. The method of funding is unstable - an astronomical tobacco tax increase on cigars, pipe tobacco, and cigarettes - but it's here now and all of us have to live with it. Some details of the Federal tax increases, which go into effect April 1, 2009, follow: Pipe Tobacco Tax Increase: From $1.10 per pound to $2.83 per pound. Large Cigar Tax Increase: From a cap of $.05 per cigar to a cap of $.40 per cigar. Small Cigar Tax Increase: From $.04 per pack to $1.07 per pack. Cigarette Tax Increase: From $.39 per pack to $1.01 per pack. This is in addition to your respective state taxes. Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Tax Increase: From $1.10 per pound to $24.78 per pound (not a typo). Chewing Tobacco Tax Increase: From $.20 per pound to $.50 per pound. Snuff Tobacco Tax Increase: From $.59 per pound to $1.51 per pound. Please know that Milan has been fighting this increase through our lobbyists and member organizations for years, but, with today's passage of the SCHIP legislation, it is now completely out of our control and we are as dismayed by the end result as you must be. Yet another new tax has been introduced called the floor tax. This tax applies to any tobacco products (except cigars) that are on the tobacconist's floor prior to the April 1, 2009, tax increase, so we will have to reduce our inventory levels in order to avoid an enormous tax burden. As a result, we will have very little pipe tobacco in our store by March 31st, which is why we recommend that you order several weeks in advance of the deadline. We will restock after April 1st, but, as with all other tobacconists, the new pipe tobacco prices will reflect the tax increases. It is a sad state of affairs that tobacconists and their customers are once again being unfairly targeted by taxation. We have long believed that everyone should share in the burden of supporting uninsured children, not just you and our industry. Unfortunately, our hard-fought battle did not result in victory, but, believe it or not, the tax increases would have been even more staggering if we had not fought at all. If you would like to voice your opinion regarding this decision, please visit http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml and send a message to President Obama and your state-elected officials today! The staff of Milan Tobacconists sincerely appreciates your patronage, especially in these difficult economic times, and we hope to continue serving you for many years to come.
Virginia Senate Committee Approves Smoking Ban Legislation - The Associated Press (1/29/09) A Senate committee has passed legislation that would ban smoking in restaurants and most public buildings. If those bills hit a snag, the Senate Education and Health Committee also passed bills to allow localities to enact their own smoking bans. All the bills passed by 11-3 votes Thursday. Gov. Tim Kaine has advocated for a ban on smoking in all restaurants, saying that the government must protect residents from unhealthy secondhand smoke. Opponents say the government has no right to make decisions for private businesses and that a smoking ban could further damage businesses already crippled from a crumbling economy. Similar bills have passed the Senate before but were killed in subcommittee in the Republican-controlled House.
SCHIP Legislation Introduced, Including 40-Cent Cap on Premium Cigars (1/13/09) According to the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), the latest version of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), HR2, has been officially introduced in the House Ways & Means Committee. The industry compromise on the revised tax rate on large cigars has been incorporated into HR2. The new tax rate will be 52.4% with a maximum tax cap on any one cigar at 40 cents per cigar. In previous versions of SCHIP legislation, the tax cap rate held at $3 per cigar. IPCPR and its federal lobbyists, working in conjunction with the Cigar Association of America, and the tobacco industry came together to aggressively challenge the disastrous proposed $3 tax cap, and get it substantially reduced to the more sustainable 40-cent tax cap. While the IPCPR believes HR2 will move quickly through the House, it may have a slower journey through the Senate, though no direct changes to the cigar tax cap rate are anticipated. SCHIP Legislation Details: The new tax rates are effective April 1, 2009; The cigarette tax rate goes from $.39 per pack to $1.00 per pack; The tax on snuff goes from $.585 per pound to $1.50 per pound; The tax on pipe tobacco goes from $1.0969 per pound to $2.8126 per pound; The tax on RYO goes from $1.0969 per pound to $24.62 per pound (not a typo). Additionally the definition of RYO has been expanded to include cigar wrappers to address the "blunt wraps" issue; The tax change to small cigars (cigars weighing less the three (3) pounds per thousand will be phased in over five (5) years at the following rates per year: 2009 & 2010 - $.25 per pack 2011 & 2012 - $.50 per pack 2013 & 2014 - $.75 per pack 2015 and beyond - $1.00 per pack Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
IPCPR Warns of Economic Impact from Virginia Smoking Ban (1/8/09) With nearly 70 percent of restaurants statewide already declaring themselves smoke-free, why would Virginia lawmakers be discussing proposals for a legislated smoking ban when the marketplace is already making that happen? That's the question being asked by Gary Pesh, the incoming president of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) on behalf of the organization's three dozen members and hundreds of thousands of their customers throughout the Commonwealth. "Any public policy that puts small businesses in jeopardy of jobs, tax receipts and profits should not be welcome at any time, especially during the next several years which are predicted to be economically critical," according to Pesh. Pesh says the IPCPR represents more than 2,000 retailers and manufacturers of premium cigars worldwide. The vast majority of those retail members are small businesses - mom-and-pop operations that serve their local communities, employ local residents and support worthwhile nonprofit organizations. All of them pay local, state and federal income, payroll, sales and excise taxes, he added. "No less an independent economic authority than the Federal Reserve Bank has concluded that smoking bans, wherever they occur, hurt businesses, especially bars and restaurants. Their findings include studies based on data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding areas impacted by legislated smoking bans that found 'statistically significant employment declines at bars, with loss estimates in employment ranging from four percent to 16 percent'," Pesh said. Chris McCalla, the IPCPR legislative director, also urged legislators and voters to consider the source and context of information that alleges secondhand smoke to have negative health aspects. "The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is charged with protecting the well-being of employees in the workplace, has established secondhand smoke standards well above the range which might be found in any bar or restaurant," McCalla said. "In fact, secondhand smoke air quality testing in such workplaces conducted by the American Cancer Society shows typical secondhand smoke concentrations up to 25,000 times safer even than those already-liberal OSHA standards. And testing by the prestigious Oak Ridge National Laboratory confirms that results of air quality testing of secondhand smoke in bars and restaurants was 'considerably below limits established by OSHA'," he said. Pesh also said that business owners have the right to decide for themselves whether or not to make their establishments smoke-free. "It's a basic principle on which our nation was founded and one that Virginia, of all places, should embrace," he said. Courtesy of the IPCPR of which Milan Tobacconists is a member. To learn more about the IPCPR, please visit www.ipcpr.org.
Learn About Tobacco Legislation In Your State (12/9/08) If you are interested in learning about current smoking-related legislation in your state, we suggest visiting the International Premium Cigars and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) legislation webpage -> www.ipcpr.org/legislation.html.

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