Bringing your own sticks to a B&M

[Rocket Scientologist]

I want to get your opinions on this.

My local B&M just started a new official policy. If you want to smoke cigars you bring from home, you either pay a $5 per stick fee, or buy a cigar for each one you smoke. This is a day-to-day policy, so if you buy a box there you can't even bring those back the next day.

I think this is ridiculous. I can understand if some guy comes in off the street, smokes his own, then leaves without buying anything. That's not cool. But I'm a regular at this place, I spend money. I've bought several boxes there in support of the business. If I want to smoke my own I should be able to without getting the evil eye from the manager.

They also sell alcohol there (bottles and such, not a full bar) so even if I don't buy a cigar on a particular day, I've probably drank at least 2 beers. Point being, I always buy something when I go.

What do you bums think? Do I have a legitimate gripe, or am I the one at fault?

[Cool Breeze]

Point being, I always buy something when I go.

What do you bums think? Do I have a legitimate gripe, or am I the one at fault?

Talk to them.
That policy is obviously aimed at people who just use the lounge as a nice place to smoke one. I certainly don't blame them for that.

But I think if you talk to them about paying for a couple of drinks or the fact that you're a regular who does in fact patronize the business regularly they would likely cut you some slack. I imagine you're not the kind of customer they're worried about.

I patronize my local B&M a couple of times a week and there are times I walk in with a stick or a pipe already lit. Even though I'm a regular, I never do that without making at least a small purchase. I'll at least pick up a $5 stick to take back home with me. They haven't said anything about it, I just think that's the right thing to do.


This is a day-to-day policy, so if you buy a box there you can't even bring those back the next day.

I think this part is going a bit overboard and I'd let them know that as well. If you're paying $150-$200 a box you certainly shouldn't be charged for bringing one back the next day. I'd call B.S. on that one.

[Old Smokey]

I think this is fairly common. But you always have a chance to vote with your wallet. As a regular you might want to share your concerns with the owner for clarification and his stance. If you are a regular I doubt he wants to lose your future business. Bottom line is he probably needs to generate more income and felt the need to implement this policy as a solution. Who knows. Share your feelings and concerns with him and see what happens.

[Tman]

It's easier to keep account of not just you but everyone. If they were looking for more patrons, they wouldn't be doing what they are doing. It's not expensive to buy a stick for each time you smoke a cigar.

It's too much of a hassle to keep track of a patron and their buying habits. If you know the owner enough, why don't you talk to him/her? Ask if you can bring in the receipt for the box purchase when you come in. I think being able to use the lounge for a month after buying a box isn't asking too much. If he/she isn't accommodating to your needs, take the business elsewhere.

[Rocket Scientologist]

I imagine you're not the kind of customer they're worried about.

The manager pulled me aside last week to tell me about the new policy - this applies to everyone.


As a regular you might want to share your concerns with the owner for clarification and his stance. If you are a regular I doubt he wants to lose your future business.

That's just the thing, the owner and manager (2 different guys) don't seem to want to make money. They've changed store hours multiple times, right now they close at 6pm on Saturday and are only open 12-4 on Sunday. And football's starting back up, how stupid is that? Of course, they might change the hours again. They've also closed early several times because it was slow, kicking out the people who were there. It's happened to me a couple times.

As far as not losing customers, someone told the manager after hearing the policy that he just won't come anymore and the manager's response was, "Fine, go ahead."

The weather's cooling off, I think I'll just sit on my patio for now.

[c.ortiz108]

That place sounds like a drag anyway. I don't go lounges for these kinds of reasons. The nicest one here charges $100 a month. Yeah, right...

[Hardheaded]

Yeah, sounds like they don't know how to run a business. None of that is any good for retaining loyal customers, let alone attract new ones.

Not sure if any of the shops around here charge. Never cared to ask. The obly one I go to on occasion to smoke is a cigar bar and they tell you that you are better off bringing your own sticks and just buying drinks due to limited humidor space. Gotta love honesty.

[Zeede]

This policy should be waived for regular, box-buying customers. I'm shocked they'd even try and enforce it on regulars.

Honestly, this hobby has enough enemies from the FDA to the anti-smoking lobbyists. It doesn't need asinine store policies.

[Demuths1770]

most of the time if you are a rgular and you talk with them they let it slide every now and than. maybe not every time but every now and than is ok. we dont have any rules like that at the lounge i go to but than again we are all regulars and buy alot. dose the shop keep track of your purcahses under your name? if not maybe sugest to them to get a system to track purchases for his big spenders so he knows who he can let slide on that rule maybe. sometimes this rule dosnt bother big spenders because they always buy when they come in but if he has told someone else its ok to go else where it may not be the best lounge to be at than. remember we dont need them to stay afloat they need us to stay afloat. a good B&M treats regulars great for several reasons one of the big ones being regulars keep the doors open.

[WNYTONY]

Have no B&M lounge within an hour so I don't wind up smoking in one very often.

When I first started reading I was going to stand up for them. Being a controller in retail I know the costs and what they are trying to do and agree with the statement above that's it's easiest to police everyone than try and remember who buys what. And I was happy to see so many encourage you to talk with them and get it to a $5 min purchase or some credit for buying the box there in the first place.

But when I see you posted that they say no slack for anyone and they're encouraging customers to not come back if they don't like it - there's not much to defend there.
I wouldn't so much have a problem with the policy, but the attitude and service level of the shop is another story and I'd sit on my deck and purchase elsewhere if that were me.

[Zeede]

With temps over 105 for much of August I seriously considered going to a lounge to have a cigar. But then I remembered that the ones near me are all cliquey and unfriendly.

The one that is really friendly is the one that SmallBatchCigars has, but that's pretty far for me to drive to.

[Rocket Scientologist]

And I was happy to see so many encourage you to talk with them and get it to a $5 min purchase or some credit for buying the box there in the first place.

But when I see you posted that they say no slack for anyone and they're encouraging customers to not come back if they don't like it - there's not much to defend there.
I wouldn't so much have a problem with the policy, but the attitude and service level of the shop is another story and I'd sit on my deck and purchase elsewhere if that were me.

A minimum purchase requirement for those smoking in the lounge would be a much more reasonable and acceptable policy. Not to mention easier to enforce.

[Demuths1770]

A minimum purchase requirement for those smoking in the lounge would be a much more reasonable and acceptable policy. Not to mention easier to enforce.

thats what they did! they put a minium purachase of buying a cigar??!!?? thats better than having a month purchase requiremnet because you chase away customers that come in and just buy afew sticks. its better to have a buy a stick smoke a stick policy which is what they have done

[WNYTONY]

thats what they did! they put a minium purachase of buying a cigar??!!?? thats better than having a month purchase requiremnet because you chase away customers that come in and just buy afew sticks. its better to have a buy a stick smoke a stick policy which is what they have done

Yes but the way they did it seems to discourage box purchases, which I can't believe they would want to do

[Trackmyer]

Like Tony, my opinion changed from your first post to your follow up.

Min. Purchase requirements, employee to customer attitude, closing shop early and running folks out. The management of this establishment sounds more like this is a hobby business than a professionally run joint.

I'd shop elsewhere.

Having no B&M close to me, there are a couple I use an hour or so away. Both have lounges, and I've come to know owners and managers by name at each. They know I'm good for purchases, and neither have ever questioned me on what I'm smoking or where I bought it. If I'm in their area and want a break I may stop in and smoke something I brought. Other times I may purchase and go and not enter their lounge. The key difference between them and yours is that they try to make their patrons as comfortable and be as friendly as possible to gain loyalty. Yours just seems to feel that the customers owe them something.
Placed in your shoes I'd buy from online before giving these clowns another dollar of my money.

[droy1958]

The manager pulled me aside last week to tell me about the new policy - this applies to everyone.



That's just the thing, the owner and manager (2 different guys) don't seem to want to make money. They've changed store hours multiple times, right now they close at 6pm on Saturday and are only open 12-4 on Sunday. And football's starting back up, how stupid is that? Of course, they might change the hours again. They've also closed early several times because it was slow, kicking out the people who were there. It's happened to me a couple times.

As far as not losing customers, someone told the manager after hearing the policy that he just won't come anymore and the manager's response was, "Fine, go ahead."

The weather's cooling off, I think I'll just sit on my patio for now.

Well that just sucks doggie bubble gum. Many moons ago my daughter seen dogs doing it and said she seen one of the dogs had bubble gum. I like to $h!t my pants...From the mouth of babes...

[Cool Breeze]

Yeah I'd say it was time to stop giving those idiots money.
Online is cheaper anyway.

[omahaorange]

I think we need to look at the whole picture. How long has this place been in business? How many patrons does he have at any given time? Is it usually crowded, or are there plenty of empty seats? The op states he buys boxes, but what kind and how many? Keep in mind it takes volume to keep the lights on. A consistently half-filled room probably spells a losing proposition. The primary reason for their existence is to make money. If the public doesn't cooperate by buying enough to make it worthwhile, then it's time to cut costs.

I'm pretty lucky. There is cigar bar about 30 minutes away. I only go there once a month for his tasting events. Never draws a big crowd, and I've only been going to these events since March. I usually buy a box. He discounts, so it's only slightly above the online prices. But I think I'm the exception rather than the norm. Most of the other event patrons pay their 10 bucks, smoke the free stick, buy a drink or two, eat the food, taste the featured liquors, then leave. The staff, and now the regulars, treat me like one of their own. They know me because i consistently drop some cash before I leave, if not for the featuered cigars then something i smoke regularly (he knows what i prefer). But how he's able to do this is because this is simply a side business attached to his upscale restaurant.

[Ropey]

Sounds like OP's cigar lounge is pretty close to going out of business. If a place starts treating regulars like crap to get more money out of them, then the proprietors are thinking short-term, which indicates they have a cash flow problem that has to be handled immediately. And that's never a good sign for a business.

[Sticky B]

I'm pretty lucky. There is cigar bar about 30 minutes away. I only go there once a month for his tasting events. Never draws a big crowd, and I've only been going to these events since March. I usually buy a box. He discounts, so it's only slightly above the online prices. But I think I'm the exception rather than the norm. Most of the other event patrons pay their 10 bucks, smoke the free stick, buy a drink or two, eat the food, taste the featured liquors, then leave. The staff, and now the regulars, treat me like one of their own. They know me because i consistently drop some cash before I leave, if not for the featuered cigars then something i smoke regularly (he knows what i prefer). But how he's able to do this is because this is simply a side business attached to his upscale restaurant.

Name Please - I'm in PA and travel West pretty far to leave via I-81 a good bit. Wouldn't mind stopping somewhere for a cigar one of these days... If it's a great joint, which it sounds like, let us know who/where it is!

[Merovius]

Golden Leaf in downtown St Paul has a similar policy and needless to say the place is constantly empty. The owner is a real peach too...

There are a handful of B&Ms around the cities that I frequent regularly that never have an issue if I just stroll in and light up. Ive bought a ton from them over the years, shoot the shit with 'em on the regular and have even helped them set up for events and such. We have a solid relationship. Ive traded and exchanged freebies with them much like I do here and elsewhere online. They know I like to rest my smokes for a bit so they dont enforce a "buy it now, smoke it now" policy on me, those types of places are definitely in the minority and I try to avoid them. Of course if Im going someplace for the first time I will buy it there and smoke it there, pay to play, and first impression is everything.

[omahaorange]

On the flip side of this discussion, personally I wouldn't think of walking into a shop or lounge and lighting my own stick. That's like walking into restaurant with a dozen eggs and slab of bacon, and asking them to cook them up so you can eat them there. These establishments aren't there to provide you with a free place to get comfortable and smoke. They're there to sell cigars and accessories. That's what pays for that comfy leather chair and air conditioning we all enjoy. If you're spending a hundred or so a month, good for you. If you're buying one or two sticks once a month, then you're probably not doing them any favors. Is my favorite lounge a bit more expensive than buying online? Sure. But can i walk into my favorite online sites, grab a chair, order a drink, light up, and enjoy some good peraonal contact and discussion? Nope. So everything is a trade off. I want to save money, I buy online. When I want some face time with people who share similar interests, I go to town and buy my sticks there.

[Rocket Scientologist]

thats what they did! they put a minium purachase of buying a cigar??!!?? thats better than having a month purchase requiremnet because you chase away customers that come in and just buy afew sticks. its better to have a buy a stick smoke a stick policy which is what they have done

I think you misunderstood me. I actually think a minimum overall purchase (cigars or beer) would be better than trying to police what everyone is smoking. If I spend $10-15 on beer, it shouldn't matter if I buy a cigar. They're still getting my money.


I think we need to look at the whole picture. How long has this place been in business? How many patrons does he have at any given time? Is it usually crowded, or are there plenty of empty seats? The op states he buys boxes, but what kind and how many? Keep in mind it takes volume to keep the lights on. A consistently half-filled room probably spells a losing proposition. The primary reason for their existence is to make money. If the public doesn't cooperate by buying enough to make it worthwhile, then it's time to cut costs.

Place has been open for almost 2 years. Sometimes there's only 3-5 guys in there, sometimes it's packed.
I've only bought 3 boxes there, I think. Not a lot, I know, but I'll buy a few here and there when I go.
If the public doesn't cooperate, you don't punish them. That's what I feel about this policy. Like that saying "The beatings will continue until morale improves." I just feel like there's a better way to increase sales. A happy medium for those that want to smoke their own cigars and enjoy the ambiance.


Sounds like OP's cigar lounge is pretty close to going out of business. If a place starts treating regulars like crap to get more money out of them, then the proprietors are thinking short-term, which indicates they have a cash flow problem that has to be handled immediately. And that's never a good sign for a business.

I hope not, I DO like this place. However, the owner and manager have always thought short-term. We'll see, I guess.

[Demuths1770]

I think you misunderstood me. I actually think a minimum overall purchase (cigars or beer) would be better than trying to police what everyone is smoking. If I spend $10-15 on beer, it shouldn't matter if I buy a cigar. They're still getting my money.

so the place is not a true bar correct?? are drink prices resonable or too high?? I am gonna go on a limb and say selling drinks dose not make him as much money as it dose a true bar and he dose it to help the regulars out. for shits and giggles lets say he is getting a case of beer at the same price you can and thats 24 dollars for 24 bottles. now he turns around and sells them to you at 2.50 a bottle. he only makes 1.50$ for every bottle. for 15 dollars you get 6 millers and he makes 9$ dollars not to bad. the kicker is while drinking you smoked 3 (im usuall a 2 drink to a cigar guy) 10-12 dollar sticks. with what i have heard from my local shops they make usually 4 dollars on a stick of that cost. thats 12 dollars. if you buy sticks to replace what you smoked and drinks he made 21$ off you instead of 9$. im not trying to argue or anything just saying that if you dont give his money maker the time of day he dose not make money and the doors close. a stick per stick you smoke i dont think is a bad thing at all. as time goes on regulars will probably be allowed to slide on that rule. IMO just be thankful you have a lounge close buy to enjoy and support them if thats what you want to do because some people dont have a local lounge or if they do its a huge membership fee to use it.

[Rocket Scientologist]

so the place is not a true bar correct?? are drink prices resonable or too high?? I am gonna go on a limb and say selling drinks dose not make him as much money as it dose a true bar and he dose it to help the regulars out. for shits and giggles lets say he is getting a case of beer at the same price you can and thats 24 dollars for 24 bottles. now he turns around and sells them to you at 2.50 a bottle. he only makes 1.50$ for every bottle. for 15 dollars you get 6 millers and he makes 9$ dollars not to bad. the kicker is while drinking you smoked 3 (im usuall a 2 drink to a cigar guy) 10-12 dollar sticks. with what i have heard from my local shops they make usually 4 dollars on a stick of that cost. thats 12 dollars. if you buy sticks to replace what you smoked and drinks he made 21$ off you instead of 9$. im not trying to argue or anything just saying that if you dont give his money maker the time of day he dose not make money and the doors close. a stick per stick you smoke i dont think is a bad thing at all. as time goes on regulars will probably be allowed to slide on that rule. IMO just be thankful you have a lounge close buy to enjoy and support them if thats what you want to do because some people dont have a local lounge or if they do its a huge membership fee to use it.

You're right, it's not a true bar, but he does get the alcohol from a distributor at wholesale prices, so he's not paying what we'd pay. And some beer is cheap - Bud, Miller, etc is $2-3. The beer I had yesterday (New Belgium 1554) was $4.50. A (plastic) glass of bourbon was $10, typical bar pour. His profit margin is larger on alcohol than cigars, I've asked.

Oh, the replacement cigar doesn't have to be equal value. If I smoke a $10-12 stick, I could buy his cheapest cigar as the replacement (Quorum, Flor de Oliva, or his $5 clearance cigars, for example). So how much more money is he making that way?

I'll comply with the policy, but I won't be buying any more boxes there. And since I'll have to spend more buying cigars (because I don't want Quorums), I'll probably start bringing a coffee or coke with me and not buy beer. At least until they institute a no outside food/drink policy.

[Demuths1770]

You're right, it's not a true bar, but he does get the alcohol from a distributor at wholesale prices, so he's not paying what we'd pay. And some beer is cheap - Bud, Miller, etc is $2-3. The beer I had yesterday (New Belgium 1554) was $4.50. A (plastic) glass of bourbon was $10, typical bar pour. His profit margin is larger on alcohol than cigars, I've asked.

Oh, the replacement cigar doesn't have to be equal value. If I smoke a $10-12 stick, I could buy his cheapest cigar as the replacement (Quorum, Flor de Oliva, or his $5 clearance cigars, for example). So how much more money is he making that way?

I'll comply with the policy, but I won't be buying any more boxes there. And since I'll have to spend more buying cigars (because I don't want Quorums), I'll probably start bringing a coffee or coke with me and not buy beer. At least until they institute a no outside food/drink policy.

he is making the money because you are still buying a cigar from them. i know personally at our lougne we all normally only buy boxes at the events and get a hand full of singles when we just use the lounge. i personally dont mind grabbing sticks when i smoke my own because its usually just to replenish the stash. only reason i like smoking my own is because of the way i store my sticks at a lower RH. Thats just the way i do it because i love to make sure i have a stock at home for aging/smoking.

[Rocket Scientologist]

Only reason i like smoking my own is because of the way i store my sticks at a lower RH. Thats just the way i do it because i love to make sure i have a stock at home for aging/smoking.

Agreed.

The policy just started so I'll update later with any developments. I was there yesterday without incident. I had been meaning to stop by to get the Camacho ABA so I was going to buy one anyway.

Side note: I smoked La Historia by EP Carrillo and wow that's a nice cigar. Burn was a little wavy and the ash seemed flaky, but a really smooth smoke.

[omahaorange]

I think you misunderstood me. I actually think a minimum overall purchase (cigars or beer) would be better than trying to police what everyone is smoking. If I spend $10-15 on beer, it shouldn't matter if I buy a cigar. They're still getting my money.



Place has been open for almost 2 years. Sometimes there's only 3-5 guys in there, sometimes it's packed.
I've only bought 3 boxes there, I think. Not a lot, I know, but I'll buy a few here and there when I go.
If the public doesn't cooperate, you don't punish them. That's what I feel about this policy. Like that saying "The beatings will continue until morale improves." I just feel like there's a better way to increase sales. A happy medium for those that want to smoke their own cigars and enjoy the ambiance.



I hope not, I DO like this place. However, the owner and manager have always thought short-term. We'll see, I guess.

Couple things...
First, do you actually know what his profit margin on alcohol is, or are you assuming he gets it cheap because he's a business? He may simply be selling the booze at cost to enhance his primary business, which I take is selling cigars. Beer and booze could be an enticement only to fill the chairs and sell cigars. Case in point, aeromedical evacuation. The hospital-sponsored helicopters consistently lose money. They are expensive to operate. But that same hospital makes millions when those critical patients brought in by the helicopter spend the time in their operating room and ICU, and go through them for follow up care and rehabilitation.

Two, you bought 3 boxes in two years? So how much do you really think he's made off your business? Keep in mind if the majority of his customers buy only a handful of sticks or a couple boxes during that period, but they crowd in there regularly just to smoke those couple sticks, do you really think he's turning a profit? And profit is the only reason to be in business. And he is a business, not a free place to lounge and kill time.

Three, one statement you made makes wonder what your motivation for posting really is. Why do you think he's "punishing the public" (your words)? Short of violating civil rights he is under no obligation to do business with anybody. It seems like you're taking this personal, and not as a business decision. If you don't like that decision by all means show your displeasure by using your wallet elsewhere. But don't punish him with unfounded statements.

I'm in no way trying to say it's right or wrong. Good decisions or bad, it's, in the end, his business and his money to do with as he pleases. Without fully knowing the specific Financials of the business you really can't make a judgement on his intentions.

[jp1979]

I buy as many sticks as I plan to smoke of mine on a given night that I bring with me. If I plan to smoke 4, I buy 4. (I use them for bombs)

You have to look at it from the other side, if it were your lounge, would you want guys bringing in their own sticks, tying up one of your money making seats for 2-6 hours and not make a dime off them???? Now, box buying customers, maybe a different story, at least you know they spend money there.

We have a lounge here that has a private access lounge on the other half of the store. It is $240 a month and you get a $200 credit towards purchases and a locker. Might sound like its stupid expensive, but all they are doing is making you pre pay for your sticks, and making sure you purchase there.

[omahaorange]

I buy as many sticks as I plan to smoke of mine on a given night that I bring with me. If I plan to smoke 4, I buy 4. (I use them for bombs)

You have to look at it from the other side, if it were your lounge, would you want guys bringing in their own sticks, tying up one of your money making seats for 2-6 hours and not make a dime off them???? Now, box buying customers, maybe a different story, at least you know they spend money there.

We have a lounge here that has a private access lounge on the other half of the store. It is $240 a month and you get a $200 credit towards purchases and a locker. Might sound like its stupid expensive, but all they are doing is making you pre pay for your sticks, and making sure you purchase there.

Really nothing wrong with that, except keep in mind his profit margin on higher end sticks may be more than the low end cigars. $240 per month for a clean, quiet, and comfortable place to smoke $200 worth of cigars may seem expensive, but when you seriously look at your cigar budget, how far off is that from what you spend now? Sure, I can go on-line and pick up more sticks than I'd get at this lounge for that $240, but if I'm sitting on my deck in 90 degree heat, or below freezing temps, that extra cash for a warm/cool place to smoke in a comfy leather chair, with the ball game on a big screen, is, IMHO, worth the extra costs. Like I said before, everything's a trade-off.

[Ropey]

Interesting. Let's run the numbers. For $240 I could get maybe 48 sticks online or maybe 20 sticks at that lounge (since only $200 of that goes to purchases and, at least in my area, B&M prices are twice those of online).

Quantity aside, it could be worth it if I could bring in my own sticks and they had WiFi and I could sit there for several hours working on my laptop. That would make working much more enjoyable... if I could do it while smoking a stogie or pipe. :)

[ghe]

Interesting. Let's run the numbers. For $240 I could get maybe 48 sticks online or maybe 20 sticks at that lounge (since only $200 of that goes to purchases and, at least in my area, B&M prices are twice those of online).

Quantity aside, it could be worth it if I could bring in my own sticks and they had WiFi and I could sit there for several hours working on my laptop. That would make working much more enjoyable... if I could do it while smoking a stogie or pipe. :)

It would also be nice if I could walk into Nordstrom, change into a new suit off the rack to wear for the day and bring it back at the end of the day. Lots of things would be "better" if they were different. There's a place where you can easily do what you want -- smoke a cigar and use WiFi. It's called your home.

[Zeede]

It's no different than joining a country club. You pay a fee, you get a benefit (a place to enjoy your hobby) and in this case, you also get 20 cigars a month. I don't think I've ever smoked 20 cigars in one month, so I could probably get some higher end ones, and buy a dozen cigars.

Of course, I can't afford to spend $240/month on cigars at the moment, but if I did, I could see the benefit.

It all depends on the people there, really.

[Ropey]

There's a place where you can easily do what you want -- smoke a cigar and use WiFi. It's called your home.Rental contract prohibits smoking in my apartment so I have to sit outside. Would be much nicer to work in an easy chair in a cigar lounge. [emoji4]

[ghe]

Rental contract prohibits smoking in my apartment so I have to sit outside. Would be much nicer to work in an easy chair in a cigar lounge. [emoji4]

Oh, OK. Now I understand. You willingly signed an agreement that restricts your actions, so it's now the cigar store owners responsibility to bail you out and allow you to utilize his facility and contribute nothing to his business. Makes perfect sense.

[jhedrick83]

Let's keep it on topic and respectful to other members please.

[Demuths1770]

Oh, OK. Now I understand. You willingly signed an agreement that restricts your actions, so it's now the cigar store owners responsibility to bail you out and allow you to utilize his facility and contribute nothing to his business. Makes perfect sense.

it sounds like what ropey was saying was if he paid 240 and was allowed to bring his own sticks it would be work it. thats the way i read it since he says about how many cigars he could get for that price and than says Quantity aside it would be worth it if he could bring his own. i do know of a local lounge that is kinda the same way as the 240 dollar fee but its that you have to buy X amount in the shop that day to use the lounge and you can not smoke your own. you have to smoke what you just bought that day and if memory serves me i think its 30$ you have to spend. im a firm believer in supporting your local B&M and a even firmer believer in your B&M should "support" you

[Ropey]

Yeah I didn't think my post would generate that emotional a response. [emoji15] Just my little fantasy of a lounge I'd pay to join. My fantasy cigar lounge would be dark wood, no televisions, with guys reading or playing cards or other quiet activity. You'd pay a monthly fee but wouldn't be required to purchase anything else. Would be a great place to relax, maybe get some work done while smoking. Kind of like the old gentlemen's clubs of yore.

[WNYTONY]

Yeah I didn't think my post would generate that emotional a response. [emoji15] Just my little fantasy of a lounge I'd pay to join. My fantasy cigar lounge would be dark wood, no televisions, with guys reading or playing cards or other quiet activity. You'd pay a monthly fee but wouldn't be required to purchase anything else. Would be a great place to relax, maybe get some work done while smoking. Kind of like the old gentlemen's clubs of yore.

Where do I sign up for this little slice of heaven ??? LOL

Absolutely no lounges around me - a 90 min drive to the closest. No smoking in any bars, restaurants or clubs here in NY state.
So basically outside, car and home are my options, and thankfully I have one room I can smoke in at home !

I have always wondered if a group of smokers (I'd even take the pipers and cig guys) got together and rented a space to smoke and relax if (a) it would be legal and (b) it could work. Of course the dynamics of the people will determine whether it will work of not.......

I know that if there are any employees it is not legal here in NY state, but if everyone is a volunteer and "member".......

Say 5-10 guys/gals toss in and rent a loft or garage and it's basically a clubhouse, or one lucky bastid has the extra space and offers to use it (with contributions / donations to help offset the costs). I know there are motorcycle clubs around here that have clubhouses - don't know how they finance or if they are allowed smoking rights but this seems to be along the lines of what you are thinking also Ropey

Anyone ever heard of this being done anywhere ?

[Rocket Scientologist]

Yeah I didn't think my post would generate that emotional a response. [emoji15] Just my little fantasy of a lounge I'd pay to join. My fantasy cigar lounge would be dark wood, no televisions, with guys reading or playing cards or other quiet activity. You'd pay a monthly fee but wouldn't be required to purchase anything else. Would be a great place to relax, maybe get some work done while smoking. Kind of like the old gentlemen's clubs of yore.

Now that you mention it, St. Louis does have several private cigar clubs that fit your description, except they probably have TVs for sports. The Cigar Club at the Ritz-Carlton is one in particular, but I think the annual dues are $2500-3000. That's a bit rich for my blood.

[jhedrick83]

Yeah I didn't think my post would generate that emotional a response. [emoji15] Just my little fantasy of a lounge I'd pay to join. My fantasy cigar lounge would be dark wood, no televisions, with guys reading or playing cards or other quiet activity. You'd pay a monthly fee but wouldn't be required to purchase anything else. Would be a great place to relax, maybe get some work done while smoking. Kind of like the old gentlemen's clubs of yore.

Yeah, that really does sound like heaven. Although, one room for sporting events on TV would be good.

[Demuths1770]

Yeah I didn't think my post would generate that emotional a response. [emoji15] Just my little fantasy of a lounge I'd pay to join. My fantasy cigar lounge would be dark wood, no televisions, with guys reading or playing cards or other quiet activity. You'd pay a monthly fee but wouldn't be required to purchase anything else. Would be a great place to relax, maybe get some work done while smoking. Kind of like the old gentlemen's clubs of yore.

have to say i have never been to a cigar lounge without a tv and would be surprised if there was one without one because of sports. the lounges in my area have tvs but they are not on all the time unless someone is watching sports which is nice because it is nice to just sit a relax without a tv

[Socoemt]

Please excuse the newbie question but what does b&n stand for?

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[jhedrick83]

Please excuse the newbie question but what does b&n stand for?

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Brick and Mortar. Referring to a physical retail store rather than an online retailer.

[Socoemt]

Brick and Mortar. Referring to a physical retail store rather than an online retailer.
Haha, wow I even knew that! I was thinking it was a super secret cigar related abbreviation! Oops. Sometimes I make things overly complicated in my mind.

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[Tombstone]

Haha, wow I even knew that! I was thinking it was a super secret cigar related abbreviation! Oops. Sometimes I make things overly complicated in my mind.

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There is plenty of super secret cigar lingo we just wait till your not reading the post to use it.

[Ropey]

Ok, on one end we'll have the "reading room" where guys can relax, read or work in a quiet environment and at the other end we'll have the "game room" where guys can play poker and watch sports on the big-screen.

In the middle we'll have cigar lockers for rent, a walk-in humidor where you can buy sticks and pipe tobacco at reasonable prices, plus a small cocktail bar where you can order a drink that will be mixed and brought to you.

Told you it was a fantasy [emoji24]

[Hardheaded]

Ok, on one end we'll have the "reading room" where guys can relax, read or work in a quiet environment and at the other end we'll have the "game room" where guys can play poker and watch sports on the big-screen.

In the middle we'll have cigar lockers for rent, a walk-in humidor where you can buy sticks and pipe tobacco at reasonable prices, plus a small cocktail bar where you can order a drink that will be mixed and brought to you.

Told you it was a fantasy [emoji24]

Thats not a fantasy, thats a business waiting to happen.

[Dreadedtrash]

I have always wondered if a group of smokers (I'd even take the pipers and cig guys) got together and rented a space to smoke and relax if (a) it would be legal and (b) it could work. Of course the dynamics of the people will determine whether it will work of not.......

I know that if there are any employees it is not legal here in NY state, but if everyone is a volunteer and "member".......

Say 5-10 guys/gals toss in and rent a loft or garage and it's basically a clubhouse, or one lucky bastid has the extra space and offers to use it (with contributions / donations to help offset the costs). I know there are motorcycle clubs around here that have clubhouses - don't know how they finance or if they are allowed smoking rights but this seems to be along the lines of what you are thinking also Ropey

Anyone ever heard of this being done anywhere ?

There has been no smoking in public in MA for years. I am a member of a local rod and gun club and they just stopped smoking in the main clubhouse a couple months ago. You can still smoke in a couple of the other clubhouses. Like you mentioned everyone at the club pays their yearly dues and then everyone is a volunteer. The club has no employees to speak of. Personally I am not sure why they killed smoking in the main clubhouse as I never once saw someone smoking in there.

[ghe]

For those interested in starting a private cigar lounge, this is the gold standard: Welcome to Metropolitan Society (http://www.metrocigar.com)

[stonecutter2]

There is plenty of super secret cigar lingo we just wait till your not reading the post to use it.

Shhhhhhh......

[WNYTONY]

For those interested in starting a private cigar lounge, this is the gold standard: Welcome to Metropolitan Society (http://www.metrocigar.com)

That looks pretty awesome

[Hardheaded]

For those interested in starting a private cigar lounge, this is the gold standard: Welcome to Metropolitan Society (http://www.metrocigar.com)

If I ever hit the powerball I am totally pissing money away into opening something like this.

[allusred]

Thats not a fantasy, thats a business waiting to happen.

All that's missing is the secret *knock on the door*...and it's a Speakeasy

Well maybe a few Spitoons to add a bit of class.

[Demuths1770]

For those interested in starting a private cigar lounge, this is the gold standard: Welcome to Metropolitan Society (http://www.metrocigar.com)

i opened this up and was looking at it and was like this is gonna be a huge membership fee but the prices are really really good!!!! i wish there was something like this close to me. i would pay the prices they are charging for 24 hour access to somewhere to smoke and relax!!!!!!