IPCPR Questions Proposed Boston Cigar Bar Ban

In a letter written today to the Boston Public Health Commission, the global association representing Boston area cigar bars laid out its reasons why the Commission should reject its proposal to ban cigar bars in the city. The Commission has scheduled its vote on the matter for its December meeting and has announced it is seeking input from both sides of the issue for consideration prior to the vote.

Boston, Massachusetts (PRWEB) November 16, 2008 -- In a letter written today to the Boston Public Health Commission, the global association representing Boston area cigar bars laid out its reasons why the Commission should reject its proposal to ban cigar bars in the city.

The Commission has scheduled its vote on the matter for its December meeting and has announced it is seeking input from both sides of the issue for consideration prior to the vote.

"I fear you may be basing your decision on information and data that remain inconclusive and enveloped in reasonable doubt.... There exists legitimate research...that contradicts such claims (regarding secondhand smoke), including those regarding the 2006 Surgeon General's Report," wrote Chris McCalla, legislative director of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association.

McCalla included with his letter to the Commission copies of several papers and reports that challenge the claims of anti-smoking groups regarding secondhand smoke.

"A cigar bar is a 'destination location' that a non-smoker would not enter... without first understanding the nature of the business" and that "... employees of cigar bars, like their patrons, are aficionados of premium cigars who choose their career based on their personal passions," he wrote, implying that forcing cigar bars to close to protect their employees would be like forcing fast food outlets to close because they may employ overweight people who like to eat french fries.

McCalla also compared cigar bars to some of yesterday's traditional gathering places.

"Cigar bars have become the modern-day 'barbershop' or 'salon' -- a publicly-accessible, privately-owned business where people of varying demographics may gather for conversation and socializing," McCalla wrote.

The IPCPR also maintains that owners of private property like cigar bars and other businesses have the Constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment to decide whether or not to allow smoking on their premises. Customers and employees then have the right to patronize or work at those businesses, according to IPCPR literature.

"Certain businesses are adult destinations aimed at adults who enjoy cigars. No adult non-smoker is going to accidentally walk into a cigar store or cigar bar, for example. Even if they do, such incidental exposure to secondhand smoke is not going to harm them one bit," McCalla maintained.

Contact:

Tony Tortorici

678/493-0313

tony @ tortoricipr.com

http://www.ipcpr.org

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