Amendments Made to SB 575 in California: Cigar Shops and Private Clubs Obtain Critical Exemptions to Smoking Ban Expansion

Friday, June 03 2011

By Glynn Loope, Exec. Dir. | Cigar Rights of America

After a diligent effort by retail tobacconists, manufacturers, and consumers alike, Senate Bill 575 which attempts to close all existing exemptions to current California smoking laws, has been amended, and was subsequently passed by the California Senate yesterday.

Under the new version, retail and wholesale tobacconists, along with private clubs, will still be allowed to be bastions of freedom in California. With a sound and unified lobbying front with the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association and Cigar Association of America, Cigar Rights of America distributed over 2,300 petitions to the 40 member Senate, amounting to over 92,000 contact impressions.

Following placement of the amendments, the legislation passed the Senate on a 25-14 vote. CRA will be distributing the voting record of each member. Now, it is off to the Assembly where we will work to broaden our coalition in opposition to the legislation, and strive for its outright defeat. This is a critical moment for every cigar enthusiast in California , and whereas that state sets a national standard on such issues, that makes this a national issue for Cigar Nation. Next week, CRA will be shifting its petition and efforts to the California Assembly. We'll need your help until SB 575 is defeated for the year. Let's send a message.

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