Washington State lawmakers have introduced HB 1203 and SB 5183, flavor ban bills that could severely impact the premium cigar industry. The language in these bills is overly broad and threatens to include premium cigars based on descriptive advertising or even casual conversations in cigar shops. Premium cigars by nature do not contain any characterizing flavors, and any imparting of a flavor is purely subjective.
Why This Matters:
<ul>
<li>Threat to Small Businesses: Local cigar shops rely on the ability to offer a variety of premium cigar products. A flavor ban could lead to reduced sales and potential closures.</li>
<li>Consumer Choice at Risk: Adult cigar enthusiasts should have the right to responsibly enjoy premium cigars without unnecessary government interference.</li>
<li>Unintended Consequences: The broad scope of these bills fails to differentiate premium cigars from other tobacco products, leading to unintended negative impacts on the industry.</li>
</ul>
Take action now and oppose this poorly worded flavor bill and protect your right to enjoy premium cigars!

Take Action Now - Say No To Flavor Ban in Washington

As a concerned resident of Washington, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1203 and SB 5183, which seek to impose a sweeping flavor ban that unjustly includes premium cigars. These bills, as currently drafted, contain broad language that would inadvertently or intentionally encompass premium cigars based on subjective factors such as descriptive advertising or word-of-mouth recommendations from retailers. 

Premium cigars are an artisanal product enjoyed responsibly by adults and should not be treated in the same manner as mass-market tobacco products. By definition, a premium cigar does not contain a characterizing flavor. It only contains all-natural tobacco that goes a fermentation process that creates natural flavors and aromas. The proposed legislation fails to recognize the distinct nature of premium cigars and the responsible manner in which they are marketed and consumed.

If enacted, this legislation would have a detrimental impact on local cigar shops, small businesses, and consumers who enjoy premium cigars. It would hinder commerce, eliminate consumer choice, and unfairly penalize an industry that contributes to our state's economy.

I respectfully ask that you amend HB 1203 and SB 5183 to explicitly exempt premium cigars from any flavor ban provisions or outright oppose this poorly worded legislation.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

Take Action Now - Say No To Flavor Ban in Washington

Message

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