Monday, November 29 1999
Q. I don't smoke in the house, or my car, so I'm going to have a problem when the weather turns too cold for me to sit in my yard. There's a cigar store near where I live which I visit occasionally. The people at the store are nice enough, but my question is, since I will probably have to go to the store in order to smoke in the winter, is it bad manners to bring a cigar with me, or should I only smoke something I buy there?
- J.M.
A. My gut-shot reaction? Normally, I would say that out of courtesy to the shop, it might be apropos to smoke a cigar in their lounge that was purchased in their store, which is most often the case from what I've seen.
When I posed the question to Famous Smoke Shop Retail Store manager, Lisa Freytes, she told me that although some cigar shop owners frown on those who just want to come in to smoke their cigars from home, or in some cases, not even allow them in the store, she never objects to anyone who wants to do so.
"As long as they have a place to come and relax and enjoy their cigars, I know that one day they're going to need something from me," said Lisa. "It could be a cutter, a lighter, a humidor, or they may see something they like that's on sale that day. And I have them right where I want them - IN the store."
