21 is the new 18???

[Upstatemax]

Guys,

You are preaching to the choir, obviously it is not what is just or fair. And while I do think it is worth fighting, ultimately we will have to choose which battles to engage in full force. IMO, the big issue is getting handmade cigars designated as such and in turn, get them out of the OTP category when it comes to FDA regulation and taxation. If that means one of the tradeoffs is a minimum age of 21 for purchase needs to be a concession, then I think it is one that is in the long run is wise.

While it is rightfully just to say "no" to everything, it is very doubtful that such a strategy will be a productive one and will likely result in decimated handmade cigar industry. The situation with taxes and regulation is EXTREMELY current and complex. IMO there is going to be a lot of back that is going to require concessions on both sides in order for a practical solution to be reached.

Understand the other side wants to make all tobacco illegal and will use egregious taxes and regulation to effectively accomplish their goals of eradicating all tobacco consumption. This is the battle we are engaged in right NOW and this again is why I implore everyone to become a member of the CRA and heed their calls when then ask you to write and talk to your local representatives.

I know forums is not always the best place to try engaging in these difficult and controversial issues, particularly those with so much complexity in them, but I wanted to added my personal viewpoint for consideration.

BR,

STS

I understand what you're saying.

However, I don't agree that we have to choose. My opinion is that special interest groups and government agencies that are as crooked as they come, should not have any say if a LEGAL ADULT makes an adult decision to buy tobacco.

History has also shown that appeasement is not the answer...

[ssaka]

I understand what you're saying.

However, I don't agree that we have to choose. My opinion is that special interest groups and government agencies that are as crooked as they come, should not have any say if a LEGAL ADULT makes an adult decision to buy tobacco.

History has also shown that appeasement is not the answer...

You don't have to agree, nor will I be the one negotiating with the FDA, Congress and the Administration, there have been attorneys and lobbyists who are vastly more capable and experienced than I working on this task for the last seven years. Nobody knows the outcome, but it is beyond extremely unlikely that there will be no changes in the status quo.

As for this age issue, to date, those enacted have been done so at the local level. So be prepared to go to your own town, city, county and state governments to argue the validity of your point. Given that the current legal age for the purchase of alcohol is 21, the current tide against all things tobacco, and the desire of politicians to please the majority vs minority I personally believe this age issue is going to be nearly impossible to overcome.

BR,

STS