Premium Cigar News and Notes

By Cody Carden - Sept. 7, 2023

Tony Gomez Appointed to the CRA Board of Directors

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Board of Directors of Cigar Rights of America (CRA) announced today that Tony Gomez, Vice President of La Flor Dominicana, has been appointed to the CRA Board of Directors. 

The CRA board voted unanimously in support of Gomez's nomination at a board meeting held on Tuesday of this week, and he will join the board immediately.

Tony was nominated to fill the spot left vacant by the recent resignation of Alan Rubin. 

In serving on the board, Tony is following in the footsteps of his father, Litto, who previously served on the CRA board and has been a tireless supporter of CRA and its mission to preserve and protect the traditions of premium cigars. 

"We are very excited to have Tony join the CRA Board of Directors," said Robert Levin, president of CRA and owner of Ashton Distributors. 

Gary Pesh, CRA board chairman and owner of Old Virginia Tobacco Co., added, "As we reflect upon our recent court victory, Tony's depth of experience at such a young age provides an invaluable new perspective on CRA's board." 

In response, Tony said, "I am thrilled to join CRA and contribute to their efforts to protect the premium cigar industry. CRA continues to set the industry standard for professionalism in advocacy, and I cannot wait to get started."

Nebraska: At Tuesday night’s city council meeting in Grand Island, the topic of a cigar bar coming to the city was discussed. In order for the bar to be able to operate, the city has to amend its code to allow smoke inside a cigar bar/lounge, as the Nebraska Clean Indoor Act mandates smoke-free indoor workplaces, with cigar bars/lounges as the exception.

North Dakota: North Dakota lawmakers have already given their blessing to allow cigar lounges throughout the state — but unfortunately, one of the first of these gathering spots can’t open just yet.

Nevada: The state best known for its sinful city and expansive natural landscapes is easing the wallets of local cigar smokers. Nevada is set to join a handful of other states that have instituted a tax cap on cigars as Gov. Joe Lombardo signed AB 232 into law this weekend creating a 50-cent tax limit on the sale of premium smokes.

Louisiana: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Shreveport local officials in June 2020 passed Ordinance No. 51, the Smoke-Free Air Act, which extended the indoor smoking ban to casinos and bars. Previously, the city allowed casinos and bars that derive the majority of their revenue from alcohol sales to permit indoor tobacco use.