This is going to be quick and it’s really nothing new. Obviously, tobacco marketing has been severely restricted for some time now in the US, while the adult beverage industry has had seemingly carte blanche. This was brought to my attention this morning:
How is this not marketing to children? Yet, when cigar makers playfully package cigars like these:
Examples of items that either weren’t marketed or are no longer on the market.
The cigar makers (marketers, or whatever you wish to call) them are skewered, out come the villagers with the pitchforks and torches! Both products are sold in age controlled environments, requiring age verification, although alcohol enforcement is stricter and carries larger penalties (for now). So how is it that there can be marshmallow vodka and Lucky Charms beer and nobody cares, but everyone thinks a flavored cigar (or a playfully packaged cigar) is marketed to kids?
Just had to get that off my chest this morning! Enjoy the rest of the week!
CigarCraig
I hear you! I often wonder about the legalization of cannibus vs the criminalization of cigars.
Couldnt Agree with you more. The bottom line is the Beverage industry has huge hitters with deep pockets for lobbyist and representation in congress.
The Cigar industry not only doesnt have enough financial backing to support their voice but also has companies in the space, (not naming them) that
shape the minds of the FDA and their decision making. FYI- its not in the favor of cigars.
Preach on brother. The power of the alcohol lobby is just to powerful for our friends in the cigar industry to think about. They should present their approach as to highlight the reasons why our industry is important, not compare them selves by saying but they get to do it.
And then the apathy of most smokers. They don’t even know what wrapper they are smoking. Those of us who care represent at most 2% of the cigars sold in America.
I’d like to have a herf with Congress, with a few of my botl/sotl who are as passionate as I am about our hobby. A nice sit down, with a cigar, and drink of choice and just causally talk about how Zen and stress reducing our hobby is. How most of the cigar heads are some of the biggest hearted, human caring people who exist. That the relaxation leads to wonderful people of all races, financial standing, Dr or the garbage man to fellowship without fear.
Then I would tell them a few stories while we light another in a straightforward way they rarely see that will have them laughing and sharing their own experiences. Oh well, what else did I have to do this morning.
Life is good