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News: Cuba Files WTO Challenge To Australia’s Tobacco Rules

Cuba has become the latest country to take issue with Australia’s stringent tobacco rules regarding packaging and has filed a formal objection with the World Trade Organization to show their displeasure. The objection, filed with the WTO Secretariat on May 3, requests consultations with Australia on the Australian Tobacco Plain Packaging Act of 2011 that regulates [...]

News: New York City to Consider Raising Tobacco Sales Age to 21

New York City continues to lead the anti-tobacco charge, as they will soon be considering a measure that would raise the minimum age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. On Monday, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Council members proposed legislation that they hope will further restrict access to tobacco by increasing the minimum age for [...]

News: Arkansas Legislator Proposes Statewide Smoking Ban

A sweeping statewide smoking ban has been introduced in the Arkansas legislature and was quickly sent to committee for its first hearing. Arkansas HB 2119 modifies the existing state smoking laws and removes all exemptions for cigar bars, lounges, cigar shops, outdoor restaurants and other establishments and exemptions. It was introduced by Representative John W. Walker, [...]

Press Release: IPCPR Opposes Excise Tax Increase Legislation in New Mexico

February 27, 2013 (Columbus, Ga.) – House Bill (H.B.) 428, proposes increasing the state’s Other Tobacco Products (OTP) excise tax (the tax levied on tobacco products not tax as cigarettes), from 25% to 53%, a 112% increase. In conjunction with key IPCPR retail members, the Cigar Association of America (CAA), is actively lobbying in opposition to [...]

News: Oklahoma Blocks Cities From Creating Smoke-Free Ordinances

The Oklahoma State Senate blocked a bill on Monday that would have allowed cities within the state to create smoke-free ordinances and other measures tougher than what state law already allows. Senate Bill 36 failed in the General Government Committee by a vote of 6-2, and means that the legislation will be dead for at [...]

News: Mississippi Defeats Proposed Statewide Smoking Ban

It was a celebratory day for fans of freedom in Mississippi on Tuesday, as a bill calling for a statewide smoking died in committee. House Bill 1119 would have  created a ban on all smoking in public places and places of employment, with no exemptions for cigar bars, lounges or similar venues. The bill was [...]

News: Statewide Smoking Ban Proposed in Kentucky

Cigar Rights of America issued an advisory on Thursday regarding a bill that would implement a statewide smoking ban in Kentucky and contain no provisions for cigar shops, bars or lounges. House Bill 190 was introduced on February 5, 2013 by Representatives Susan Westrom (D), Julie Raque Adams (R) and David Watkins (D), and would effectively ban [...]

News: No Enforcement While Georgia Reviews Tobacco Purchasing Bill

It was announced on Friday that the provisions of a Georgia House Bill that would have required in-state retailers to only purchase tobacco products from out-of-state suppliers that possess a Georgia business license will not be enforced by the state’s Department of Revenue Alcohol and Tobacco Division until it undergoes additional review. In their e-mail advisory, [...]

News: Smoking Ban Being Considered in Toronto

Toronto’s board of health is taking steps that could result in the fifth largest city in North America expanding their already strict outdoor smoking ban. A report by CTV Toronto says that the city’s board of health will launch a series of “public consultations” on a proposal to extend the city’s existing smoking ban. Since [...]

Press Release: Tuscaloosa City Council Seeks to Ban Private Businesses

October 4, 2012 (Tuscaloosa, AL) — The Tuscaloosa City Council will soon be discussing a moratorium to ban some businesses from opening and operating within city limits, including tobacco shops. The ban was introduced by Tuscaloosa City Councilman Kip Tyner after he learned of a tattoo parlor’s intentions to re-open after recovering from tornado damage. [...]