Louisiana Governor Signs Bill That Could Help PCA Trade Show Return to New Orleans

While the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Convention & Trade Show will be held in Las Vegas, a bill signed into law by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards could help the annual event return to New Orleans in the years that follow.

The bill, H.B. 111, extends the tax-exempt status for cigars and pipe tobacco sampled at the convention center during the industry’s trade show when it is held in New Orleans until 2030. The tax exemption had been scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025 prior to the extension being passed.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Jason Hughes, D-New Orleans, and it passed the House of Representatives 96-2 and the Senate 38-0.

“We sincerely appreciate this act of the Louisiana legislature and the signature by the governor for this important bill,” said Scott Pearce, executive director of the Premium Cigar Association, in a press release. “With there being so few places across the nation capable of hosting the trade show, this is another action that depicts support and a sense of welcome for our industry.”

Pearce told halfwheel that recent surveys from membership have indicated strong support for having the trade show in New Orleans, especially now that the dates have moved to early spring. The event has generally been held in July.

“While the city smoking ban isn’t ideal, as we have explored a potential future show in New Orleans, there are several options available to create a smoking environment off the show floor,” Pearce told halfwheel. “The city and convention center are aware of this and continue to work with us and help in curating a total show experience on and off the show floor.”

As Pearce noted, New Orleans still has a widespread smoking ban in place that was enacted in 2015 and covers casinos, restaurants and other gathering places. Cigar bars did receive an exemption in May 2015, though at the time it only applied to one business.

New Orleans & Company, the former New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented testimony in support of the bill noting that the trade show has a $13.9 million economic impact on the state and city, according to a press release from the PCA.

“PCA was pleased to endorse this legislation and extends its appreciation to Representative Hughes and the governor for their support,” said Glynn Loope, director of state advocacy for PCA, in a press release. “The bipartisan nature of this action and the margins of its passage in the House and Senate clearly depicts how New Orleans and the state of Louisiana welcome the industry.”

The PCA has not yet announced where its annual trade show will be held after the one slated for March 2024 in Las Vegas.