Cigar etiquette question
- Thread starter Mr.Draned
- Start date
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
Some of the flames I've seen leaving peoples torches could kill anything in the air around them as well!But using the torch lighter should kill anything that transfers onto your stick...
Some B&Ms restrict the privilege of smoking outside cigars (or brining in alcohol) to locker/lounge members. Just depends on the place. But I always try to buy something every time I go to a B&M where I'm allowed to smoke and hangout, since it does cost money to maintain the shop and lounge.
Well... here is another perspective.
Cigar shop I went to only sold cigars and cigar accessories. I think by law, they couldn't sell coffee, booze, food - what have you. That's to say, selling cigars was their only way of making revenue. I don't think that store ever had an "official" can't bring in your own stick policy...
but the regulars had eagle eyes and a vested interest.
The thinking was, this is the only lounge in 100 miles and the cigar business is tough. We love our lounge and want it to stay. Each individual helps, but no one individual can ensure the place stays open on its own - Hence, you will buy a smoke if you intend to smoke it in the lounge or face the wrath of their badgering.
Sure, asking the store is good form - but watch how the other regulars react too.
Cigar shop I went to only sold cigars and cigar accessories. I think by law, they couldn't sell coffee, booze, food - what have you. That's to say, selling cigars was their only way of making revenue. I don't think that store ever had an "official" can't bring in your own stick policy...
but the regulars had eagle eyes and a vested interest.
The thinking was, this is the only lounge in 100 miles and the cigar business is tough. We love our lounge and want it to stay. Each individual helps, but no one individual can ensure the place stays open on its own - Hence, you will buy a smoke if you intend to smoke it in the lounge or face the wrath of their badgering.
Sure, asking the store is good form - but watch how the other regulars react too.
I just made a trip to SoCal and had the pleasure off wet in up with a BOTL. I brought my travel case but that particular day I left it at home because I was new to the shop we were meeting at and felt it would be poor form to walk in and smoke my own even if I was buying there.
At my local BM/Lounge I bring my own every time. I do this because I feel that I am a regular and not only buy food and drinks but have spent a good chunk of $$ on sticks there. There have been few times that I have walked out without adding sticks too even though I'm trying to reign in my spending.
There is another local lounge to me where I will bring my own even if I only show my face once a year. That's based on their higher prices for sticks and higher prices for booze. Never been questioned there either.
Bottom line for me... If you're a guest, buy and smoke theirs. If you're a regular, bring your own cause you're buying there anyway.
At my local BM/Lounge I bring my own every time. I do this because I feel that I am a regular and not only buy food and drinks but have spent a good chunk of $$ on sticks there. There have been few times that I have walked out without adding sticks too even though I'm trying to reign in my spending.
There is another local lounge to me where I will bring my own even if I only show my face once a year. That's based on their higher prices for sticks and higher prices for booze. Never been questioned there either.
Bottom line for me... If you're a guest, buy and smoke theirs. If you're a regular, bring your own cause you're buying there anyway.
To
Tobacco laws got pretty crazy a few years ago. When the no smoking in public areas law went into place, only a few businesses got "grandfathered" out of the law, and they have to maintain a certain percentage of total sales from tobacco purchases, and of course enforce the rules of no outside tobacco. I don't recall specifically what the guidelines are, but the tobacco has to be labeled as " premium", so if someone wants to light up a Camel they still have to go outside! I only have one B&M within an hour drive and they have had little interest in continuing business for the past couple of years. It's kind of scary because if they close before someone buys the place outright that will spell the end of any lounge for me without a hefty drive.
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
Makes sense. What is said is one thing, how the regulars react is quite another.Sure, asking the store is good form - but watch how the other regulars react too.
Very good point. I don't want to be on these guys bad side.
As stated by some, some stores only allow cigars bought within their doors. I use this rule of thumb for b&ms. Whenever I go into a shop to enjoy a cigar, I buy at least 2 cigars. More than often it's more than that, but at least two. This shows the owner and employees that I m loyal to them, as well as keeps their doors open for others to enjoy.
There have been times I walk into the b&ms with a cigar already lit, but I still buy 2. Because of that habit, I am able to gain access to limited or special cigars that others may not be, as well as build a relationship with the owner.
There have been times I walk into the b&ms with a cigar already lit, but I still buy 2. Because of that habit, I am able to gain access to limited or special cigars that others may not be, as well as build a relationship with the owner.
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
Damn, after reading more of your comments, it seems I may be in the wrong for not mentioning I was smoking a house blend of theirs as well as not buying anything at the time of my smoking there.
Lesson learned.
Lesson learned.
You're fine... you bought it there. If the shop says something then apologize and buy sticks. If they don't say something but its really bugging you ask the owner or whoever is at the counter.
Ducttapegonewild
Actual Size
^^^^ That....
Well, there's always the "rule of thumb" and then there's the kind of relationship you have with your regular B&M/lounge. If you have a great relationship with the owner/employees of your regular place and they don't object to you bringing in your own cigars, then enjoy smoking your own stuff!
Issues of etiquette are rarely black or white, since the context matters a great deal.
What I try to keep in mind is that maintaining a place where one can purchase tobacco and accessories, relax, smoke, and enjoy the fellowship of other smokers, does cost money (especially in areas with high tobacco taxes which have artificially shrunk the demand for cigars). So I buy at least something to show some financial support in addition to my patronage. It could be something as small as a cheapo accessory, to several cigars or drinks. With the proliferation of city wide smoking bans in most major cities, we cigar/pipe smokers have fewer and fewer indoor public places in which to gather and enjoy a smoke. Let's make sure these B&M's keep their doors open.
Issues of etiquette are rarely black or white, since the context matters a great deal.
What I try to keep in mind is that maintaining a place where one can purchase tobacco and accessories, relax, smoke, and enjoy the fellowship of other smokers, does cost money (especially in areas with high tobacco taxes which have artificially shrunk the demand for cigars). So I buy at least something to show some financial support in addition to my patronage. It could be something as small as a cheapo accessory, to several cigars or drinks. With the proliferation of city wide smoking bans in most major cities, we cigar/pipe smokers have fewer and fewer indoor public places in which to gather and enjoy a smoke. Let's make sure these B&M's keep their doors open.
I don't get the chance to smoke in B&Ms very often. Usually when I do, I end up buying two sticks, one to smoke and one to take home. I'd say if you're a regular, ask every once in awhile, don't take it for granted that you're allowed to do that all of the time. If there are other regulars in there that you don't know, I'd also ask the clerk. I definitely wouldn't make a habit of it, unless I'm renting a locker, or buying sticks on a regular basis and the clerk present knows you.
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
At this point I want to be very clear.
I have never smoked a cigar in this B&M that I also did not purchase there.
I've offered $$ towards soda's/water's/coffee that I may consume.
I bring my dog in there to say hi b/c the owner thinks he's the best dog around.
Based on this thread though, it's a toss up if I'm in the wrong for smoking a cigar previously purchased at the B&M later in the week without making a purchase at the time of lighting up.
As said previously, I don't want to be on the bad side of the regulars.
Now I must say, I don't want to be on the bad side of BOTL members for asking a question about etiquette.
I have never smoked a cigar in this B&M that I also did not purchase there.
I've offered $$ towards soda's/water's/coffee that I may consume.
I bring my dog in there to say hi b/c the owner thinks he's the best dog around.
Based on this thread though, it's a toss up if I'm in the wrong for smoking a cigar previously purchased at the B&M later in the week without making a purchase at the time of lighting up.
As said previously, I don't want to be on the bad side of the regulars.
Now I must say, I don't want to be on the bad side of BOTL members for asking a question about etiquette.
I personally think you are being very thoughtful.
I wouldn't be concerned at all. It's the guy who doesn't consider the consequences of his actions that you worry about lol.
Cigar smoking is fun - don't let the politics get what is one of the greatest advantages you have (living within walking distance of a B&M) get you down.
Piece!!
I wouldn't be concerned at all. It's the guy who doesn't consider the consequences of his actions that you worry about lol.
Cigar smoking is fun - don't let the politics get what is one of the greatest advantages you have (living within walking distance of a B&M) get you down.
Piece!!
I don't have a lounge nearby and only 1 B&M to buy cigars. I have built a friendship with the owner and he treats me very well by discounting everything I buy.
Sorry for getting off topic above. I would just ask the owner or manager. Something I like to occasionally gift the owner with a premium cigar that he doesn't carry. I found out my B&M owners favorite cigar is Anejo Shark. I took him a 5 yr old Shark and he was excited about it. I have given him Tatuaje and most recently a Regius and a Warped to try. He is always giving me cigars to try and discounts on everything I buy and I show my appreciation by gifting him things to try. With both are very happy.
Sorry for getting off topic above. I would just ask the owner or manager. Something I like to occasionally gift the owner with a premium cigar that he doesn't carry. I found out my B&M owners favorite cigar is Anejo Shark. I took him a 5 yr old Shark and he was excited about it. I have given him Tatuaje and most recently a Regius and a Warped to try. He is always giving me cigars to try and discounts on everything I buy and I show my appreciation by gifting him things to try. With both are very happy.
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
This is some great advice, and I am going to do this in the near future.
I don't have anything too good in my small stock at this point in time, but I do have a Rocky Patel Decade box press that's been sitting in a humi for over a year. I'm thinking that maybe I will gift that to him tonight, as his shop/lounge is the only authorized Rocky Patel Lounge in Philadelphia.
Thanks for the great tip!
THEMISCHMAN
SGT Hulka
I'd say you're fine. Sounds like the owner likes you and if you ask him and he doesn't mind then that's what matters. I would say pick up a cigar more often than not when bringing your own to smoke. As for the patrons, they don't own the place. Don't worry about being on our bad side.......I'm not even sure we have a bad side. Questions are always welcomed and always get answered.
Mr. Draned, you sound like a solid fella, and asking the question here shows that you care about perceptions. If I owned the joint you frequent Id love to have customers like you.
Adding up the facts that you go there regular and folks know you by face if not by name as well. Coupled with chipping in some coin on beverages not consumed, buying sticks on a regular basis, bringing in the dog for visits, etc. You are fine with what you did. As others said if anyone was to question you Id just explain it, though if the owner knows your dog, he knows you. And this shouldn't ever come up.
Adding up the facts that you go there regular and folks know you by face if not by name as well. Coupled with chipping in some coin on beverages not consumed, buying sticks on a regular basis, bringing in the dog for visits, etc. You are fine with what you did. As others said if anyone was to question you Id just explain it, though if the owner knows your dog, he knows you. And this shouldn't ever come up.