THE FDA IS LISTENING! NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD!
This is CRUNCH TIME, folks! We've been fighting the "good fight" in Congress for the last few years, but the moment we've all been dreading is finally here. Put simply, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
After years of lobbying Congress and speculation on what the FDA had in mind for the regulation of premium cigars, the FDA has finally issued their proposed regulations and they are now accepting comments for a short time. Our comments submitted to the FDA are CRITICAL to the outcome of how cigars will be priced AND regulated in the very near future.
Click here to read the FDA's full document outlining the proposed options. The section on "covered cigars" begins on page 31. We urge you to read and understand this proposal thoroughly before submitting your comment.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
It is ESSENTIAL that your voice is heard in order to SAVE THE PREMIUM CIGAR INDUSTRY. It is urgent that we unite to deliver a clean and concise message to the FDA. Just three minutes of your time will help us to save premium cigars from unjust restrictions.
Thanks to our industry efforts to educate the FDA, they're willing to listen to what we have to say on the subject.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE LUDICROUS FLAWS & RESTRICTIONS THAT COULD BE IMPOSED ON THE PREMIUM CIGAR INDUSTRY:
- A Premium Cigar would be defined by a retail price point of no less than $10 (after any discounts or coupons)!
- There is a potential for millions of dollars in new 'user fees' imposed on the industry (Read new taxes on cigars)
- Corporate registration by cigar manufacturers with the FDA
- New labeling requirements for manufacturers
- Submission of ingredients and testing requirements
- Bans on walk-in, self-service humidors
- Bans on samples for consumers
- Pre-market federal review before issuing new cigar (this takes on average 3+ years)
As you can see, these deeming regulations are not only misguided but also would destroy the premium cigar industry as we know and love it today!
NOW'S TIME TO ACT:
Below, is the language that the CRA (Cigar Rights of America) organization recommend as a guide to create your own unique comment. We strongly encourage you to take 3 short minutes of your time and submit your personal comment to the FDA. we have provided a streamlined comment to the FDA's proposal that thoroughly addresses the $10 price-point in the proposed criteria. Copy and paste the following letter to submit in your comment to the FDA:
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
The sample content below is to help construct your message to the FDA. We encourage you to use this content as a guide and to add your own comments as well to personalize this meesage.
Please select:
• Only ONE of the introductions, or use them as the foundation for your own;
• One or more of the Message Themes that are important to you; and
• Only ONE of the closings to complete your response.
Introduction:
As a premium cigar consumer, I urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to exempt premium cigars from the proposed deeming regulations issued on April 24, 2014.
The new proposed regulations will infringe on my rights as a cigar consumer: the freedom to enjoy a variety of premium cigars; The freedom to patronize small businesses across America who will now find their livelihood at risk; The freedom to assemble with fellow cigar enthusiasts because of intrusive government intervention into an adult pursuit.
These devastating new restrictions on premium cigars and the businesses that manufacture and sell premium cigars, must recognize that premium cigars, are not what Congress intended with the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I urge the FDA to consider the following:
Message Themes:
- As a consumer, special editions and seasonal blends are a unique experience. If premium cigar manufacturers are subjected to pre-market reviews it will result in the elimination of new products, and consumers will have fewer options to choose from when looking to purchase limited edition premium cigars.
- Consumers from all demographics and walks of life enjoy premium cigars. Using price would place an unfair discriminatory economic burden on those adults who enjoy premium cigars by setting some arbitrary benchmark for what is “premium.”
- Premium cigars are an adult product, enjoyed in a celebratory manner, with industry surveys substantiating that the average cigar consumer enjoys two to five cigars per week.
- Premium cigars are not marketed to, nor appealing, to minors.
- Premium cigar retailers are already engaged in strict age verification when it comes to purchasing premium cigars and all other forms of tobacco.
- Premium cigar retailers are predominantly small family businesses that create hundreds of community-based jobs. The proposed regulations would jeopardize these jobs, and threaten the contribution of these jobs in neighborhoods across America.
- Consumer taste preferences are unique and different. A ban on sampling would prohibit consumers from being able to try new products before they make such a significant purchase.
- Premium cigars are an artisan product made by skilled craftsmen carrying a rich historical and cultural significance. The proposed regulations would threaten this rich tradition.
- Premium cigars deserve an exemption from federal regulation.
Closing:
I enjoy going to my local cigar shop and shops like it across the country. You meet with friends, and you make new friends. Cigars bring together people from all walks of life, in a manner like no other social activity. It’s like the hardware store or barber shop in days past.
People like being together, and premium cigars are also an important part of the moments of solitude that we all need in life.
The federal government should not be interfering with that type of camaraderie, fellowship, and personal pursuit.
DON'T FORGET TO PERSONALIZE YOUR COMMENTS!!
STEP 3:
Submit your comments to the FDA !
On behalf of the ENTIRE Premium Cigar Industry and ALL people who enjoy premium cigars, we sincerely thank you for taking the time to submit your comments on this issue!