Ban the Ban!

There seems to be a growing trend in ideas of statewide smoking bans as of late, and rumblings have now been felt in the state that I call home, Arizona. As the Arizona Republic points out, “A statewide smoking ban is far from reality, but the prospect of one was enough to spawn a group ready to battle the idea: The Arizona Cigar Lobby”.

It’s always refreshing to see individuals who still have the spark to fight state politics. With the tremendous growth in population and development in Arizona over the past few years, now is the time for more voices to be heard. I applaud the Arizona Cigar Lobby for anticipating upcoming changes in the law, and proactively fighting to keep their freedoms.

Read below for the entire article:

A statewide smoking ban is far from reality, but the prospect of one was enough to spawn a group ready to battle the idea: The Arizona Cigar Lobby.

It represents about 30 to 40 small, owner-operated retail outlets that are appalled at the notion of a state law that would ban smoking at workplaces, including bars, restaurants and cigar stores.

"These are adult establishments," said Eric Ulis, a Goodyear resident who is directing the new group. The prospect of a statewide ban is "a little Big Brotherish," he said.

Of primary concern is that a ban would effectively shut down many of the agreements cigar stores have with bars and restaurants. Ulis said the stores in his coalition estimate they would lose 25 to 30 percent of their revenue if they were no longer able to sell their cigars at bars and restaurants.

"It's unlikely someone is going to walk into a bar or restaurant, buy a cigar and take it home," he said.

The group will make its voice heard at the state Capitol and on the campaign trail if the proposed ban makes it onto the November 2006 ballot.