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State Tobacconist Challenges Michigan House to Torch Senate's Smoking Ban Version
State Tobacconist Challenges Michigan House to Torch Senate's Smoking Ban Version
"No legislated smoking ban makes sense, but the
draconian version surreptitiously passed yesterday by the Michigan Senate
is a grievous affront to the personal rights and basic principles of all
citizens," said Daniel Jenuwine, owner of The Cigar Factory Outlet in
Troy, Michigan.
The bill now returns to the House for further consideration, compromise or
forwarding to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for her signature as early as next
week. Jenuwine hopes the House either buries the bill or reinstates the
exemptions it originally considered.
"Obviously many of our Senators have fallen for the slanted so-called
studies commissioned by the anti-smoking people that dubiously conclude
that businesses aren't hurt by smoking bans. I'd like to invite all our
legislators and the Governor to visit my store and the nearly 100 other
cigar stores throughout the state of Michigan represented by the
International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association to see firsthand
how the proposed smoking ban would negatively impact our businesses," said
Jenuwine.
As an example, Jenuwine pointed out that over 200 cigar enthusiasts
gathered at his store for a four-hour promotional event this week. The
group spent over $8,000, generating over $2,500 in state tax revenues and
among them were more than 25 customers who came from Windsor, Ontario to
spend their Canadian dollars in Michigan.
"Given the current economic conditions here, I just don't understand why
the Michigan legislature would want to drive another business to close its
doors and lay off its employees," he said.
Jenuwine believes that many legislators and the general public have
unwittingly been swayed by reams of disinformation regarding the effects of
incidental second-hand smoke.
"If people would stop accepting unsubstantiated second-hand information
about second-hand smoke and, instead, actually read the surgeon general's
report, they would see that there is no conclusive evidence that says
incidental second-hand smoke does all the things that the anti-smoking
people say it does," he pointed out.
"And when legislators vote to ban cigar smoking in a cigar store, for
example, they are saying they believe their adult constituents are too
stupid and naïve to make their own choices. The fact is that patrons of
these legitimate businesses choose to enjoy the legal products offered to
them in such establishments just as employees of these businesses choose to
work there. Where does the legislature get the right to take away our
freedom of choice?" asked Jenuwine.
Jenuwine noted that most cigar stores are family-owned small businesses led
by mom-and-pop operators who are pillars of the communities they serve,
providing thousands of jobs and paying millions of dollars annually in
payroll, sales and excise taxes.
"Besides, there's a big difference between premium, hand-made cigars and
cigarettes. Cigars are enjoyed just as champagne is. They are legal,
adult, social and celebratory products of choice," he said.
Copyright © 2008, MarketWire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
Daily NewsTags: Tags: Food and Beverages, Wal Mart, Sears, Nordstrom and other Retail, michigan
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