Thursday, January 08 2009
This week, a bill known colloquially as Smoke Free Texas was introduced in the house. The bill prohibits smoking in all public places and places of employment with exemptions for hotels and non-profit private clubs. Notably absent is an exemption for cigar shops and lounges.
Fumée Cigar Lounge, located in Cedar Park, Texas has been open for less than two months. It's proprietor, 26 year-old Heather Haddad of Austin is concerned about what this ban means for her business. “I've spent the last two years sacrificing a paycheck, working 80 hours a week, and risking everything I own to open up my business,” says Haddad. “Now I face the prospect of having all of that be for nothing because of some irrational idea that a person who walks into a cigar shop is going to be surprised to encounter smoke. I'm a vegetarian, but I don't go into steak houses expecting a salad.”
Fumée, and lounges like Heroes and Legacies, Havana House and Pipe World stand to lose their business if the bill is not amended. Haddad clarifies, “I understand protecting non-smokers, but if an adult comes into a cigar lounge, they know and accept the risk that they will encounter smoking. To hurt our small businesses is not necessary and I hope steps will be taken immediately to rectify this situation.” £
About Fumée Inc.
Fumée is a retail and e-commerce cigar company devoted to the art of cigar smoking. Their Cedar Park lounge is located at 2403 S. Bell Blvd. Services include coffee, hot tea, hookahs and accessories. Fumée is online at www.fumeeworld.com
