Brothers & sisters of the leaf in the state of Virginia, two (2) bills affecting premium cigars were introduced in January, one in each chamber of the legislature:
House Bill 1541 ("HB 1541"), is a pro-premium cigar bill that would create a new limited mixed beverage license for premium cigar retail shops in the Commonwealth.
Senate Bill ("SB 390") calls for a increase in the rate of taxation. As written, SB 390 would increase the tax rate from 10% to 23% of the manufacturer's sales price.
According to the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), HB 1541 passed the Virginia House of Delegates and is now pending in the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee. The Committee will vote this Friday, February 23 at 8:30 AM to determine whether the bill advances in the legislative process or dies. As a Virginia resident and cigar enthusiast, your outreach on this matter is critical, so consider taking time to email the members of the Committee in support of House Bill 1541 (click here).
In addition, you may still contact your representatives in Richmond to respectfully request that they NOT support SB 390 or any other attempt to increase the rate of taxation on premium cigars (click here for link to Cigar Rights of America [CRA] Legislative Action Center where you may find all resources on how to communicate electronically with your elected officials regarding that specific piece of legislation...enabling you to TAKE ACTION!)