CRA Partners with the European Cigar Manufacturers Association Amidst Push by the European Commission’s to Expand Smoking Bans
The European market is becoming increasingly critical for the premium cigar industry, but it has now also become ground zero for the most aggressive expansions in tobacco control. As European nations push forward with stricter regulations, the implications for the cigar industry are profound.
Because of this, Cigar Rights of America, has recently formed a partnership with the European Cigar Manufacturers Association to collaborate on education, research, and monitoring in service of combating these policy battles in Europe. Given our success in pushing back against overreaching tobacco control measures in the U.S., we are committed to ensuring that Europe’s premium cigar enthusiasts and industry stakeholders are similarly protected.
European Commission Seeks to Expand Smoking Bans
The European Commission is set to propose significant expansions to smoking bans in public spaces, a move that could have implications for cigar enthusiasts across the European Union (EU). According to the proposal, the Commission plans to extend existing smoking restrictions to include public outdoor areas such as café terraces, bus stops, zoos, and other venues. The proposal does not discuss any encroachment into private property, but as tobacco control pushes more restrictive policies, that could become something for the future.
This proposal is part of the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to drastically reduce tobacco consumption by 2040 and create a “tobacco-free generation.” The plan targets a 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025 and seeks to cut the EU’s smoking population to just 5% by 2040. While the initiative is aimed at public health, it threatens the future of premium cigar enjoyment in social and semi-public environments.
Impact on the Premium Cigar Industry
For the premium cigar community, this proposal raises significant concerns. While much of the focus of the proposed bans is on mass-produced tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes, premium cigars could become collateral damage in the broader regulatory sweep. The European Commission’s draft guidelines reflect an aggressive stance on eliminating exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, and there is little distinction made between different types of tobacco products.
This means that cigar consumers, who typically enjoy cigars in social settings like café terraces or outdoor lounges, could find themselves facing new restrictions. In addition, public venues such as zoos, parks, and even semi-outdoor areas at restaurants or bars could become off-limits for cigar enjoyment, limiting the spaces where cigar enthusiasts can legally enjoy their premium cigars together.
Expanding the Scope: Not Just Nicotine Products
The proposal also suggests a broader crackdown on non-traditional products, including nicotine-free vapes and tobacco surrogates. These products, often marketed as safer alternatives, are now being grouped with traditional tobacco under the guise of protecting public health from second-hand exposure. While the EU’s intention is to reduce health risks, lumping premium cigars into this broad category does not take into account the unique, artisanal nature of cigars, nor does it recognize the different consumption patterns compared to mass-market tobacco products.
A Broader Framework with Limited Legal Power
It’s important to note that the Commission’s recommendations, while influential, are not legally binding. However, they serve as a framework for EU member states to adopt as part of their own national efforts to curb tobacco-related harm. This means that even though the guidelines aren’t enforceable at the EU level, individual countries could take up the recommendations and enact stricter local regulations, further limiting where premium cigars can be enjoyed.
For cigar enthusiasts and businesses alike, the concern is clear: expanding smoking bans to outdoor venues could place additional pressure on already-restricted spaces for cigar enjoyment, particularly in countries where smoking regulations are already strict.
Looking Ahead
As the European Commission moves forward with this proposal, it is essential for the premium cigar community to stay informed and engaged. While the goal of reducing second-hand smoke exposure is understandable, Cigar Rights of America, in partnership with the European Cigar Manufacturers Association, will continue to advocate for the fair treatment of premium cigars. These hand-crafted products, typically enjoyed in moderation, should not be unfairly targeted by sweeping, one-size-fits-all tobacco regulations. Together, we are committed to ensuring that premium cigars are recognized for their uniqueness and protected from unnecessary restrictions throughout the European Union.