Drew Newman, a fourth-generation cigar maker and owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Co., issued the following statement about H.R. 3982:
“Premium cigars are natural, handcrafted products that are distinct from cigarettes and all other types of tobacco products. Since the FDA decided to regulate premium cigars like cigarettes, our historic industry has been under threat because we are unable to comply with the costly and cumbersome regulatory regime created for mass-market tobacco products. Because FDA’s own research shows that premium cigars are distinct from cigarettes, it does not make sense to treat them the same.”
“Earlier this month, FDA announced that it is proposing new requirements for how tobacco products must be manufactured, tested, packed, and stored. Such standards may make sense for cigarettes. Because premium cigars are rolled by hand and each one is different, it could be impossible for premium cigars to meet FDA’s new standards.
“My family and I are extremely grateful to Representatives Castor and Posey for their steadfast leadership in advocating for Florida’s historic premium cigar industry and the thousands of jobs and hundreds of small businesses that it supports across the state.”
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