Monday, February 28 2011
By J. Glynn Loope, CRA Executive Director
In the form of one of the worst pieces of legislation of its kind currently pending in the nation, California State Senator Mark DeSaulniers, D-Walnut Creek, and Assembly Member and Chairman of the Majority Caucus, Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, have just introduced a sweeping piece of tobacco prohibitionist legislation that seeks to close every existing exemption to enjoying perfectly legal tobacco products in the State of California.
As Senator DeSaulniers takes the lead in introducing Senate Bill 575 it is imperative that every passionate cigar enthusiast and retail tobacconist engage themselves in this legislative battle.
Senate Bill 575 would ban smoking in all retail tobacco businesses, private clubs, hotel lobbies, bars, taverns, banquet rooms, warehouse facilities, and employee break rooms.
And we don't have former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to protect us now with the power of the veto pen.
Senate Bill 575 is currently awaiting committee assignment by the Senate Committee on Rules. Upon assignment, CRA will let you know which committee will be hearing the bill.
Make no mistake, this is a very real threat to your passion for fine cigars. It not only affects the entire state of California, but sets a horrid precedent for the entire nation.
Senate Bill 575 threatens your freedom to enjoy a cigar at your local retail tobacconist and is a direct threat to the livelihood of professional tobacconists across California -- and could spread across the entire nation.
It is time to draw a line in the sand on this type of legislation, and with California being a benchmark state for such legislation, this prohibitionist style of law making needs a direct and passionate response from all in Cigar Nation.
ACTION FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:
Please contact your member of the California Assembly and Senate (search by zip code) and tell them to SAY NO to Senate Bill 575.
ACTION FOR NON-CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:
CRA will soon have a national petition (for all CRA members to sign) opposing this legislation, once it has been assigned to committee. This is serious, and it could come to your community or state next.
In his own words, Senator DeSaulniers wants to eliminate your freedom and ability to enjoy cigars. Read Senator DeSaulniers Statement.
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