Cigar Lovers Find Their Voice

Source from:  tr.itsmyiq.com Aug 14, 2008 08/15/2008

A consortium of cigar manufacturers and premium cigar retailers has formed Cigar Rights of America (CRA), a nonprofit organization that aims to give cigar lovers across the US a voice in the debate on cigar smoking. According to a press note, CRA is a membership organization dedicated to maintaining the personal freedom of individuals to enjoy cigars. Its activities are focused on disseminating information about handmade premium cigars, and opposing unfair legislation such as that aimed at bringing in excessive state and federal cigar taxes, overly restrictive smoking bans, restrictions on cigar sales and the regulation of cigars by the Food and Drug Administration. 'Published estimates show that approximately three to four million Americans regularly smoke premium, hand-rolled cigars,' the press note said. 'For many, a good cigar is a form of relaxation, and many cigar enthusiasts consider themselves to be connoisseurs, similar to wine experts. CRA membership believes that the increasing number of anti-smoking measures – measures going as far as giving apartment property owners the right to tell renters they cannot smoke in their own homes – and proposed federal cigar tax increases of up to 6,000 per cent are encroaching on a personal freedom and right to enjoy cigars.' On August 19, the CRA is launching a major membership drive, 'Freedom Tour 2008', which will include stops and rallies in five cities: New York City on August 19, Minneapolis on August 20, Milwaukee also on August 20, Chicago on August 21 (two events), and Orlando on August 22. Each event will feature legendary cigar makers and experts who will talk about the art of producing handmade cigars, encourage membership and speak about the role CRA members can play in balancing the debate between anti-cigar advocates and those who enjoy cigars for pleasure. For most of these cigar makers, their companies are family-owned, small businesses, and producing handmade cigars has been their passion and family tradition. Tickets can be purchased at local retailers listed on the CRA website's Freedom Tour information page at http://www.cigarrights.org/tour.htm. Meanwhile, cigar enthusiasts and others can join Cigar Rights of America online at https://www.cigarrights.org/membership.htm. Enditem