Cigar Weekly

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association said it probably will not come back to Louisiana for conventions if the Legislature passes anti-smoking bills.

 

The association is opposed to three bills up for consideration during the legislative session that began Monday.

House Bill 75 would raise the 20 percent excise tax on non-cigarette products to 30 percent. House Bill 844 would ban smoking in any restaurant or bar, and Senate Bill 186 would prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars if food is served at any time.

 

The Columbus, Ga.-based association said it expects more than 5,000 attendees to its August convention in New Orleans.

"And they will spend a lot of money in restaurants and bars. We won't be doing nearly that much if the proposed bans are enacted, and we are not likely to return in 2010 or beyond if that were the case," said Chris McCalla, legislative director of the IPCPR.

 

"And we are just one convention," McCalla said. "Scores of other conventions whose organizations are considering New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana will also likely opt to hold their meetings in more tobacco-friendly locales."

IPCPR represents more than 2,000 tobacco retailers and manufacturers of premium, hand-made cigars.

 

"Increasing the taxes on a legal product in order to raise more money for state coffers and then banning its use in more locations will result in price increases and lower use of the product which means lower tax revenues for the state," McCalla said. "Also, lower sales mean less business which means fewer jobs."

 

McCalla said business owners should be able to choose whether to allow smoking in their establishments and customers and employees can choose which establishments they wish to patronize or work in.