Just when we thought we had heard it all, new prohibitions on cigar smoking have emerged, leaving many scratching their heads in confusion. These restrictions are taking place in two parts of the United States, raising concerns that they could spread further.
Minneapolis’ 15-Minute Smoking Limit
In Minneapolis, a city of more than 400,000 people, a new law will soon limit cigar smoking in lounges to just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right: only 15 minutes to enjoy a cigar.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed several tobacco-control measures into law this spring, initiated by city councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw. Among these changes is a significant price hike on cigarettes to $15 per pack, one of the highest in the United States. However, as often happens, cigars are being lumped together with cigarettes. Consequently, the new law imposes a 15-minute limit on smoking in cigar lounges. This restriction, scheduled to take effect on December 1, barely allows enough time to make a dent in a petit corona.
Cigar smoking is about enjoying companionship and socializing. Limiting that to 15 minutes is absurd and clearly crafted by lawmakers who do not understand the culture of cigar smoking.
Despite its large size, Minneapolis has only one cigar lounge, Anthonyβs Pipe and Cigar Lounge, which is actively fighting the ordinance. Cigars are a legal product, and this attack on them should not go unchallenged.
Generational Tobacco Bans in Boston Suburbs
More disturbing, however, is an anti-smoking movement occurring outside of Boston. A growing number of municipalities are instituting generational tobacco bans. These laws ensure that no one born after a specified date will ever legally buy a cigar or other tobacco products, even when they reach 100 years old. This is happening in places like Brookline, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Melrose, all about half an hour from Boston. These towns are setting dates, such as January 1, 2004, beyond which citizens will never be able to buy tobacco.
These bans may sound bizarre, but they are real and spreading. While many cities and towns are embracing marijuana, which remains banned for recreational use in roughly half of the United States, they are simultaneously making it harder for cigar smokers to enjoy their legal pastime.
The Cultural Impact
We receive hundreds of photos showing fathers passing the tradition of cigar smoking down to their sons and daughters. These laws aim to end that ritual. Cigars are a legal product, and such ridiculous laws need to be opposed. Don’t let politicians deny us our rights.
