California Introduces Generational Smoking Ban

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is calling on all cigar retailers, consumers and those who care about the future of the premium cigar sector in California to join in opposing Assembly Bill 935, introduced by California Assemblymember Damon Connolly.

If passed, AB 935 would prohibit anyone born after January 1, 2007, from ever purchasing tobacco products, including premium cigars! The PCA strongly opposes this misguided measure and is committed to fighting this proposal at every step of the way.

“We are deeply concerned about AB 935 and any legislation that seeks to restrict the rights of premium cigar smokers,” said Joshua Habursky, Deputy Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association. “These proposals are not based on scientific evidence, but rather on a political agenda that seeks to demonize adult cigar smokers and restrict their freedom to enjoy a legal product. Clearly it is no longer a hidden agenda of the anti tobacco groups to support full prohibition.”

Bans on tobacco products have been introduced and implemented around the world, including in New Zealand where a similar measure was enacted restricting tobacco purchases to only those born before 2009. PCA believes that such bans are ineffective, and only serve to create a black market for these products.

The PCA is committed to working with lawmakers and other stakeholders to educate them on the unique nature of premium cigars, which are a handcrafted, artisanal product enjoyed by adults in moderation.

To fight against AB 935 and other proposals like it, the PCA is urging cigar retailers, consumers and those who care about adult consumer choice to sign up for CigarAction.org, a grassroots advocacy platform that enables users to easily contact their elected officials and voice their opposition to harmful anti-tobacco legislation.

Today PCA will launch a legislative petition opposing AB 935. „CigarAction.org is an important tool for all cigar lovers and consumer freedom advocates,” said Glynn Loope, Director of State Affairs at the Premium Cigar Association “By signing up for CigarAction.org, you can make your voice heard and help us fight what is now, the most significant threat to the premium cigar industry in the nation. This legislation is proof of how bad policy ideas spread.”

The PCA is committed to defending the small businesses of California and the choices of cigar patrons and ensuring that lawmakers understand the unique nature of premium cigars.