PCA Magazine 2022 Show Issue

14 PCA The Magazine | VOLUME 2 2022 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG News + Notes cont. N E W S + N O T E S “This is another example of the Premium Cigar Association’s commitment to working with industry allies to challenge shoddy, cumbersome, and arbitrary regulations,” said PCA Executive Director Scott Pearce. “PCA is battling both legislation and regulations in the courts and in Congress to protect the business of specialty tobacco retailing in line with our stated mission.” Cigars for Warriors Celebrates a Decade of Service In May, Operation: Cigars For Warriors celebrated its 10-year anniversary in operation as a charity devoted to deployed military service members. As a Platinum- level certified charity (verified by GuideStar), CFW operates with the highest ethical standards of transparency and accountability. Since its founding, CFW has shipped more than 1.3 million cigars to military personnel around the world and more than 600 cigar retailers have participated in the program. To donate, visit cigarsforwarriors.org . State Legislative Updates With most state capitals in the process of wrapping up their 2022 legislative sessions, the Premium Cigar Association is still monitoring some lingering bills, and continues to work with the local retail leadership that serve as our industry voice in capitals around the nation. Colorado With a strong coalition from state retailers and industry trade association support, the Colorado legislature failed to advance a sweeping flavored tobacco ban. With hours of hearings through multiple committees, the bill moved forward until the closing hours of the session. Special thanks to Veronica Fenner, Bret Goodman and Mary Gallagher Szarmach for grassroots support and providing legislative testimony to assist in the defeat of the bill. Special thanks to all the retailers that circulated the PCA petitions. Maine has also stalled efforts to advance a flavored tobacco ban. Tennessee Tennessee is advancing legislation to allow for more local control on tobacco policy, but exemptions have been garnered for cigar shops and cigar bars, while Kentucky has failed to advance their local authority legislation. California PCA is working with a coalition of industry advocates to oppose the November 8 ballot referendum in California calling for a sweeping flavored tobacco ban. Planning efforts are underway with members of the California Association of Retail Tobacconists, National Association of Tobacco Outlets and other industry partners to spread the word to customers and residents that this referendum will harm small businesses and attack adult consumer product selection and choice. Tax Caps & Tax Decrease Efforts Legislation calling for a tax decrease on premium cigars has moved forward in Delaware, while tax cap legislation is still alive in New York, New Jersey and Illinois. The Wyoming Joint Revenue Committee is continuing its study of cigar tax cap legislation in preparation for the 2023 legislative session. State Advocacy Awards Announced The PCA government affairs team is preparing for a federal and state legislative update for the membership at the PCA 2022 Convention & International Trade Show along with an open policy forum to discuss the association’s advocacy priorities and solicit input from the membership at large. Additionally, PCA will be presenting advocacy awards to the following five retailers for their success and commitment to state advocacy: Todd Johnson The Cigar Shop Gary Kolesaire The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood Patrick Lucas Almost Havana Cigar Lounge Pat Singh Cigar Sessions Donovan Short Casper Cigar Company Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you for your tireless work to protect our industry.