FDA Announces Extension to Tobacco Related ANPRMs

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Earlier today, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced extensions to three advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) dockets currently underway.  The extension covers the ANPRMs on nicotine reduction, flavors and premium cigars.

This extension provides additional time for industry to present its case to the administration and submit comments to the FDA.  IPCPR, along with other industry associations, members of Congress and industry stakeholders submitted extension requests. Our association applauds the FDA’s decision and attributes it to the continued dialogue IPCPR has forged on Capitol Hill and with the FDA regarding premium cigars and a need to exempt this niche artisanal industry from an ill-suited regulatory framework.

The new ANPRM deadlines are listed below:

For any questions concerning the ANPRM, please contact Daniel Trope, IPCPR Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs at daniel@ipcpr.org.

Judge Rules in Cigar Industry Lawsuit Against FDA

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Yesterday, Judge Amit Mehta issued an opinion on several issues raised in the IPCPR’s lawsuit against the FDA.

Notably, Judge Mehta struck down the requirement that retailers who blend pipe tobacco must register their establishments with and submit product listings to the FDA. This is a positive development for IPCPR members and significantly eases the compliance burden facing many premium tobacconists around the country.

However, Judge Mehta did not endorse other challenges to the FDA’s:

  • Warning requirements for cigars and pipe tobacco;
  • Regulations requiring payment of user fees by cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturers and importers (but not by those of e-cigarette companies); and
  •  Regulation of pipes as components or parts of tobacco products.

Scott Pearce, IPCPR Executive Director recognized that today’s ruling is yet another step in what has been a nearly two-year-long process of attacking the FDA’s regulatory scheme. “IPCPR is reviewing the overall decision and evaluating its impact on our members. We are pleased to see Judge Mehta recognized the unfair treatment of retailers who blend pipe tobacco and unfairness of expensively regulating premium cigars while reconsidering whether the Rule should reach them. However, we are disappointed that he did not grant relief against the FDA’s onerous warning requirements, the user fee scheme, and the regulation of wooden pipes, and our attorneys are exploring all legal options to secure this very necessary relief, including through an appeal.   We are confident that the court system ultimately will vindicate the rights of our members.”

So what does this mean?
  • At least until the FDA reevaluates the issue under the appropriate standards as required by the court, retailers who blend pipe tobacco in store need not register their shops with, and submit listings of blended products to, the FDA.
  • As of now, the August 10, 2018, deadline for compliance with the FDA’s cigar and pipe tobacco packaging and advertising warning requirements remains in place
  • Tobacco pipes remain regulated as “components” of tobacco products and subject to all applicable requirements and FDA compliance policies, including those relating to pre-market review of “new tobacco products.”
  • Cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturers and importers will continue to pay user-fees.

The lawsuit is a joint effort by IPCPR, Cigar Rights of America and the Cigar Association of America. IPCPR, along with our legal team, will continue to provide updates as this process unfolds.

For questions concerning the lawsuit, please contact Daniel Trope, IPCPR Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs by emailing daniel@ipcpr.org.

IPCPR, CAA, and CRA Joint Statement on Passage of FY 19 Agriculture Appropriations Bill

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IPCPR, CAA, and CRA Joint Statement on Passage of FY 19 Agriculture Appropriations Bill

Today, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association, Cigar Association of America, and Cigar Rights of America were pleased to announce the adoption of language in the FY 2019 budget as approved by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations that works to protect premium cigars from overreaching and burdensome regulations, as proposed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The language addresses significant concerns that the premium cigar industry has maintained since the rule was proposed in 2014. According to Scott Pearce, IPCPR Executive Director, this language is proof positive these concerns are not only heard, but validated. “I think we’ve seen broad recognition on and off Capitol Hill that FDA’s regulatory regime for premium cigars has been deeply flawed since it was introduced four years ago,” said Pearce. “IPCPR and CRA applaud Congressmen Cole, Bishop and all of our supporters on Capitol Hill for finding a sensible legislative solution that provides premium tobacconists and manufacturers certainty. Congress never intended for the premium industry to endure the regulatory burdens imposed by the FDA. Today’s vote reinforces that.”

CAA President Craig Williamson extended his thanks to the Committee for adopting the amendment. Williamson added, “after working on two separate amendments for the past four years the groups realized that we are stronger working together to accomplish the same goal – the protection of the entire cigar industry.”

CRA executive director Glynn Loope stated, “This amendment once again sends a clear message that the regulations advanced by the FDA go well beyond the congressional intent of the Tobacco Control Act. We extend our appreciation to our legislative co-sponsors that have served as champions for this language, as well as proponents of regulatory reform as it applies to cigars with the President’s Administration.”

The language as adopted by the committee blends past efforts, by not only providing an exemption for defined premium and large cigars, but changing the “predicate date” for burdensome pre-market approval procedures to the time of the deeming rule issuance, from February 15, 2007 to April 25, 2014.

 Contact: 

Daniel Trope
International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association
daniel@ipcpr.org

Glynn Loope
Cigar Rights of America
glynn.loope@cigarrights.org

Christine Hewitt Lanza
Cigar Association of America
clanza@cigarassociation.org

2nd Annual BOnanza Cigar Event: June 9, 2018 in Bellflower, California

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2nd Annual BOnanza Cigar Event

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Bellflower, California

 

Buy TICKETS Now!

 

Featured Cigar Event Video – BOnanza Cigar Event 2017

 

  • bonanza cigar event

Any cigar aficionado or newbie in Southern California, or industry person most likely knows Bo Mouissat – Tobacconist Extraordinaire of the famous Bo’s Cigar Lounge chain in the South Bay and Bellflower of Los Angeles County.

Bo’s affinity for cigars has rubbed off on his beautiful family, especially his daughter Mimi Valenzuela, General Manager of Bo’s Cigar Lounges, which features large, well stocked walk-in humidors featuring 90 + rated hand-rolled premium cigars, cool and breezy patio seating, opulent decor, high ceilings with excellent ventilation and impeccable customer service; Bo’s lounges are renowned for their friendly atmosphere, great selection and famous, well attended events by their loyal, diverse following.

Bo’s hosted it’s first annual BOnanza Saturday January 28th. A multi-vendor selling event, the first of it’s kind in this area. 12 manufacturers came to promote their brands, 3 local Bellflower restaurants: French Quarters – Johnny Rebs – Fronks restaurant, brought their most delicious offerings and for your musical enjoyment – 2 bands kept everyone entertained: Cuban Jazz Train and Big ‘D’ and the Blues Street Band!

Craft Beer was flowing all day. and over 250 people participated throughout the day. So many of the guests enjoyed the specials that came with their box purchases as well as raffles for accesories, big screen TVs, and even trips to tour factories of Drew Estate, Espinosa Cigars and Rocky Patel!

Cigar Manufacturers that participated were:

Alec Bradley

CAO

Drew Estate

Espinosa

Ghurka

Kristoff

La Galera

Pier 28

Rocky Patel

Room 101

Via Havana

and special thanks to Delicia the Cigar Vixen, whose series you can now purchase on Amazon

Mimi and Danny Valenzuela

 

IPCPR’s Annual Convention Returns to Sands Expo and Convention Center in 2019 & 2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2018:
The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) has signed a multi-year contract to hold its Annual Convention & International Trade Show at the Sands Expo® and The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning in 2019.

“We’re very excited to be going back to the Sands/Venetian. Having the event and people all housed together under one roof gives everyone a lot more in the way of networking opportunities,” says IPCPR Board Secretary and Trade Show Committee Chairman, Scott Regina. “Attendees love it—they get amazing rates on luxury suites at a great property, with over 30 award-winning restaurants on site.”

The move also allows IPCPR to plan ahead, grow the event and evolve to meet its members’ needs as market and government policies change. The association has added more networking events and seminars to the convention schedule over the past few years, and the Sands Expo venue opens up additional opportunities for innovation and expansion.

This year, IPCPR’s 86th Annual Convention & International Trade Show will take place July 13 – 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Dates have been set for the 2019 and 2020 events at the Sands Expo and Venetian, where the 87th Annual Convention & International Trade Show will take place June 29 – July 2, 2019, with suite rates of $189 per night, and the 88th Annual Convention & International Trade Show on June 27 – 30, 2020, with rates of $194 per night.

About IPCPR
Founded in 1933, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is the oldest, largest and most active trade association representing and assisting retailers of premium tobacco products and their suppliers. 

The IPCPR Annual Convention & International Trade Show is the retail tobacconist’s most important event of the year—a four-day extravaganza featuring the industry’s largest trade show, open exclusively to IPCPR members.

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If you would like more information, please call Dawn Conger at 202-849-6047 or email dawn@ipcpr.org.

8th Annual Cigar & Spirits Magazine West Coast Tasting

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Featured Upcoming Cigar Event

Cigar & Spirits Magazine’s 8th Annual West Coast Cigar & Spirits Tasting

Date and Time

Sat, May 26, 2018

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM PDT

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Location

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

1107 Jamboree Rd

Newport Beach, CA 92660

 

jeremy piven and cigar and spirits magazine

It’s that time of the year again!

Come and sample some of the world’s greatest spirits and take home hundreds of dollars worth of premium cigars at Cigar & Spirits Magazine’s 8th Annual West Coast Cigar & Spirits Tasting event!

Make a day of it as this year you will have an opportunity to not only attend the event but also attend pairing seminars throughout the day and evening with the purchase of a premium ticket.

Past Vendors have included:

Arturo Fuente Cigars
Rocky Patel
Drew Estate
Zacapa Rum
La Palina
Falto
Glenfiddich
Montecristo
Romeo y Julieta
Gurkha
JC Newman – Diamond Crown
Aging Room
Villiger
Trill Cigars
Royal Gold Cigars
Ventura Cigars
Southern Draw Cigars
Zander-Greg
Altadis USA
Alec Bradley Cigars
Boutique Blends
Esteban Carreras Cigars
Miami Cigar Company
La Aurora Cigars
Hiram & Solomon Cigars
USA Sales
Zander Greg
Alpha Cigar
Ketel One Vodka
Beam Global
Makers 46
El Tesoro Anejo
2 Gingers Irish Whiskey
Dos Armadillos
Comisario
Sensi Wines
Tatratea
Sazerac
Buffalo Trace Small Batch Bourbon
Buffalo Trace White Dog
Fireball Whisky
Eagle Rare 10YR Bourbon
Diageo
Johnnie Walker
Oban Whisky
Talisker Whisky
Lagavulin Whisky
Deep Eddy Vodka
NOLET’S Silver Gin
Zing Vodka
A. Hardy Brands
Hardy VSOP Cognac
Hardy XO Cognac
Dingle Irish Gin
Michael Goddard Vodka & Gin
Mexican Moonshine
T1 Tequila
Titos Handmade Vodka
Macallan
Buzz Bars
Hangar 24 Brewing Co
Backyard Marys
Balls of Steel
Left Shoe Company
Never Hungover

Get your tickets now before it’s too late!

 

Announcing Exciting New Executive Management Changes at IPCPR

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2018

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) announces the promotion of Dawn Conger to Vice President of Operations and the hiring of Scott C. Pearce as Executive Director.

Since 2012, Dawn Conger has served as the director and main point of contact for the IPCPR Annual Convention & International Trade Show. She is responsible for spearheading all aspects of the annual trade show planning and management—including marketing, budgeting, logistics, staff and vendor management. Dawn brings seventeen years of association experience to her new role as Vice President of Operations. Scott Regina, IPCPR Membership and Tradeshow Chairman, says “A well-deserved promotion for a very talented and dedicated individual. Dawn continues to go above and beyond with every aspect of her job and is key for the association’s continued success.” Dawn’s promotion was effective April 19, 2018 and she assumes additional responsibilities including operations, human resources and contract management.

Scott C Pearce comes to the IPCPR with over 18 years of association and non-profit experience. He brings extensive knowledge as a marketing leader in the trade association industry. His most recent role was the Director of Marketing with the American College of Radiology where he oversaw marketing strategies that increased membership and engagement, generated over $30 million in non-dues revenue, and helped advocacy and social campaigns gain national exposure.

Pearce earned his MBA from Temple University, where he developed a passion for applying smart marketing and business theories to drive innovation in associations. Pearce has also been an avid cigar smoker for over a decade and is looking forward to leveraging the totality of his experiences to support the industry.

Ken P Neumann, IPCPR President, says “The board of directors would like to thank our IPCPR staff as they have worked to make sure everything was handled smoothly while the search committee went through nearly six months of interviews. We are excited to announce the hiring of Scott Pearce and are confident that he will do everything necessary to help our retailers for years to come.” Scott’s first official day as Executive Director for the IPCPR will be Monday, May 7, 2018.

About IPCPR

Founded in 1933, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is the oldest, largest and most active trade association representing and assisting retailers of premium tobacco products and their suppliers.

The IPCPR Annual Convention & International Trade Show is the retail tobacconist’s most important event of the year—a four-day extravaganza featuring the industry’s largest trade show, open exclusively to IPCPR members. This year, IPCPR’s 86th Annual Convention & International Trade Show will take place July 13 – 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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If you would like more information, please call Ken P Neumann, IPCPR President at 202-621-8064.