In this politically charged, partisan divided world we live in, here in the United States, there is at least one thing, we as cigar enthusiasts can agree upon. STAY OUT OF OUR HUMIDORS!! The battle for cigar independence has been raging across the country since the summer of 2016, when the FDA handed down deeming tobacco regulations and did not exempt the premium cigar industry from them. Over the last 8 years, the industry has been successful in winning battles in the courts, but the war is still raging on, with threats from the FDA along with local and state governments.
Fighting the battles on behalf of the cigar industry, are organizations like the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Cigar Rights of America (CRA), and the Cigar Association of America. These organizations fight the battles from the local, state, and federal level, whether it be insane taxation, generational age purchase limits, or smoking prohibitions in local family-owned brick and mortar shops and lounges across our great nation.
Bringing awareness to the industry’s plight is a major part of the battle and most recently the PCA jumped at the opportunity to organize two awareness events coinciding with the Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Democrat National Convention (DNC) respectively. Both events were held at a local brick and mortar shop in the respective cities of these major political events (Milwaukee and Chicago). Each event was free to attend with a pre-registration. I found out about these events and wanted to attend both but unfortunately the RNC event conflicted with previous commitments, but I did make it to the DNC event which was proudly hosted by the Up Down Cigar Lounge in the old town section of Lincoln Park, Chicago.
I flew up to Chicago, the day of the event, which started at 6 PM and ran till 9 PM, Tuesday August 20th. Landing at 2:30 PM and Ubering over to the lounge from Chicago’s Midway Airport, I did not know what to expect. I arrived around 4PM at the lounge, a place I have not been to but was pleased to enter. Up Down Cigars has been in its current location since 1975 and the shop itself dates back to 1963. As soon as you walk in the shop, you know it has been around for decades, with that pleasant old shop aroma. This is exactly the type of iconic shop that has stood the test of time, and it would be tragedy if it was forced to close because of over burdening regulations.
As soon as I stepped foot into the shop, I heard a familiar voice call out my name. My good friend, BOTL, and fellow brethren of the cigar media, Craig Vanderslice (Cigar Craig), was sitting at a table right by the front window. A pleasant surprise indeed. I was curious to see who, from the media, might be attending the function, and now I knew.
The Up Down Cigar Shop
As I had a couple of hours before the main event, I took the time to tour the shop and take some photos. I really dig the vibe of the shop. It has a fine collection of big and small brands not to mention a large selection of pipes. This is certainly a true tobacconist’s shop. The staff were very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Not knowing exactly what was going to be served for food at the event, I took the advice of the shop’s staff and walk down the street and get a Chicago style hot dog. As is normal, and true to form, cigar shops know what’s up and that dog was just what I needed. With some food in the belly, I headed back to the shop and took the advice of New England Cigar Militia “Commish” (Kevin Parow) to treat myself to an Up Down Cigars, Exclusive Tatuaje Fausto Lonsdale. Thanks for the tip Commish, it was an awesome smoke.
The Main Event
As time ticked on, Craig and I conversed until it was time to head to the event. Looking around, I was wondering where this was going to take place, as the shop was tight with space, but we were told to exit the building and walk down the narrow alleyway between the shop and the building next-door. At the end of the alley was a back patio with a full tent cover. We were greeted by the newly appointed Executive Director of the PCA – Josh Habursky. Sporting a green plaid suit, with a custom inside lining of cigar bands, Josh was possibly the most dapper dressed man in the building. We got checked in and given a ticket for a complimentary Drew Estate cigar of our choice. Of course, for me the selection was a no brained – the Liga Privada No. 9!
Food and Beverage
As part of the entry, there was also complimentary bourbon whiskey tastings from Old Elk Distillery based out of Colorado, Wine from Luneau USA, along with Tequila, Rum, Craft beer, soft drinks and specialty cocktails. At the end of row there was a selection of tapas plates of food and tasty desserts.
The Gathering of Folks
As the evening drew on, the attendance grew, and I got to meet some fine folks including the owner of Ancestry Cigars – Enid Blanton – the first African American owner of a cigar brand in Chicago. There were other dignitaries in attendance such lobbyists, local city and county councilmen from places like Wisconsin and Minnesota. Unfortunately, the big-name House and Senate members were not in attendance, but that did not stop me from explaining the plight of the premium cigar industry to those I met.
Some of those in attendance did not smoke cigars but I suppose they were curious about the event, and I took the opportunity to explain the plight of the premium cigar industry to them. I told them, as much as the Democrat party tends to be anti-tobacco, they had to separate big tobacco, that adds numerous chemicals to their products from premium cigars that are all natural. I broke it down to how the industry is a collection of family-owned businesses and overbearing regulations on this adult product will potentially put them out of business. These small businesses are all over our great country, living the American Dream, paying taxes, and providing for their families. As their eyes widened and tuned into my message, I further explained that this is not a Democrat or Republican battle but a bi-partisan one made up of all the cigar businesses and enthusiasts across the country. Regardless, if they indulge in premium cigars or not, this is about protecting small business.
I also noted that many of the products in the business are handcrafted and sourced from countries in Latin America like, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The workers in these factories are paid a higher wage than most jobs in their country and if they were to visit a factory, they will see the joy of the people that work there. If overbearing regulations were imposed on the industry, not only would it impact American businesses but also the many workers in these countries. Without jobs in the premium cigar world, these folks may turn to other means of making money to provide for their family’s that could be illegal enterprises, or they would possibly flee and wish to immigrate to the USA for better opportunities. I implored those I spoke with to help us take the message to their local municipal governments, council meetings, and help us continue the Freedom to enjoy premium cigars.
We even had a surprise visit from area native, Luigi Lucente – owner of CigarMedics and overall inventor of various cigar related products.
Get Involved
This battle is real. I know you have read various articles about the industry winning lawsuits and such, but the issue is not going away unless we continue to make our collective voices heard at the local, state and federal levels. Get involved and support the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Cigar Rights of America (CRA), and the Cigar Association of America. These organizations are on the front lines. Remember this is a Republican, Democrat, and Independent fight by cigar enthusiasts to protect our rights to be free to enjoy premium cigars.