Thursday, May 19 2011
By J. Glynn Loope | Exec. Dir. Cigar Rights of America
Cigar Rights of America has received numerous calls and emails regarding the recent action in Maryland, which bans the interstate and intrastate shipment of cigars.
The Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 88 during the 2010 session on a vote of 139-1 in the House of Delegates and 44-3 in the Senate. It was introduced by the Chairmen of the House Economic Matters Committee and Ways and Means Committee, at the request of State Comptroller Mr. Peter Franchot.
There is a concerted effort to address this Act of the legislature, either through the political process, or the courts. Either way this issue isn't over, or going away. There is also a fear of precedent that such a legislative action could spread to other states. The major internet cigar retail market believes this action is “Un-American, unconstitutional, and anti-choice.” Others believe that it's good for the business of local retail tobacconists, while yet another story has it as an effort by State Comptroller Peter Franchot to make sure Maryland is collecting all of the taxes due the state – and to launch an effort for the Governor's Office.
Our point, however, is that any government action that infringes on the wishes of cigar enthusiasts, whether through smoking bans, taxation or other forms of regulation, is wrong. Government, should just leave cigar smokers and the industry as a whole – alone. Cigars are sold to adults of lawful age, are not addictive, nor marketed to youth.
Each level of the cigar supply chain, from manufacturer to your local retail tobacconist, to the internet seller of cigars, abides by hundreds of rules, regulations and forms of taxation, just to deliver that cigar to you, whether at your local shop, or to your doorstep. For those reasons alone, the Maryland legislature should just let free markets and existing laws speak and act for themselves.
In the words of Mike Lohsl, owner of The Chesapeake Cigar Company in Annapolis, Maryland , “While brick & mortar tobacconists in Maryland have a new captive market, making this somewhat of a ‘win' for [my] business, we must fight to have this legislation repealed. This is more about the global cigar rights we must all preserve.”
If you believe the Maryland legislature should overturn HB 88, call and write your member of the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate, or notify the Office of the State Comptroller.
CRA Wants Your Feedback Regarding HB 88.
Please email your comments to CRA at
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.
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