Smoking and vaping will no longer be allowed on school premises and college campuses. It’s the creation of more smoke-free zones and apparent outlawing of smoking in any area of a retail location accessed by the public that has many tobacconists fearing their lounges and stores could soon become smoke-free zones.
S.B. 1201 refers mostly to vapor and cannabis products, mentioning cigars and pipe tobacco within its definition of “tobacco product” which is defines as a substance that contains tobacco. “Tobacco bar” is defined within S.B. 1201 as “an establishment with a permit for the sale of alcoholic liquor to consumers issued pursuant to chapter 545 that, in the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2002, generated ten per cent or more of its total annual gross income from the on-site sale of tobacco products and the rental of on-site humidors.”
In conjunction with the Connecticut Cigar Association, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) issued the following statement on S.B. 1201 and its potential impact on tobacconists in Connecticut:
“Like many bills across the nation, when other products such as vape and cannabis are the subject of legislation, the premium cigar industry has to make sure that it is not an unintended consequence. For example, the Connecticut legislature recently passed a sweeping cannabis legalization measure. While some believed that the enhanced smoking restrictions included in the bill included cigar shops, we don’t believe so, and neither does the Connecticut Cigar Association,” stated Scott Pearce, executive director of the Premium Cigar Association.
“PCA, in cooperation with Brian Shapiro as president of the Connecticut Cigar Association, concluded that ‘cigars are not being singled out,’ with the passage of S.B. 1201. Further, Mr. Shapiro noted, ‘This bill changes nothing for Connecticut’s premium cigar shops.’
“The expanded smoking restrictions apply to venues that principally don’t apply to the premium cigar patrons of Connecticut, but are meant to apply to cannabis and other tobacco products. In fact, the bill grandfathers ‘tobacco bars’ that meet certain thresholds.
“PCA and the Connecticut Cigar Association will maintain communication and monitoring of the implementation of S.B. 1201 and related measures, and has reached out to appropriate offices and legislative allies to reinforce the need to protect the small business premium cigar establishments of Connecticut.”
You can read S.B. 1201 in its entirety by clicking here.
