I think there's a distinction between cigar lounges and cigar stores. If it's a lounge with couches, TV, magazines and such and the owner sells drinks, he has made an investment to entice customers into his shop. People come in and hang out for hours. He expects his investment to lead to income and he isn't making a fortune from sodas and coffee. He expects you to buy cigars and other merchandise.

If your local shop isn't a lounge and you're just hanging out for awhile it's probably not a big deal to smoke your own while conversing with the owner. He hasn't made an investment in furniture, and TV's plus the space it takes to set up a lounge. He expects people to come in and buy his products and leave.

the store this guy runs has his walk-in humi and a cash register and counter. the open area has 3 loveseat-size leather couches around a big square table with ashtrays on it.

i've never seen anyone sitting there smoking, though. i've only seen him have one other customer there besides me, either. sad, coz he's a great guy with a sharp-looking set-up, good prices, etc.

well, next time i stop in it will, as usual, be to pick up a single or two. but i'll feel more comfortable about bringing a smoke from home to have and also bringing one of the same for him to share while we shoot the breeze if it's as dead there as i've always seen it. :/

thanks for all the viewpoints, guys.

My local guy is strictly a tobacconist. He does have couches, magazines, TV and great conversation. I wish he sold beverages. But he isn't beyond allowing you to BYOB as long as you are discrete (wink wink). Actually you guys are reminding me I haven’t made my monthly pilgrimage to see him. LOL

Thanks for the cudos dbguru

Sounds like hensed and I have pretty similar relationships with our locals. There are benefits beyond the best price that can be had by developing a solid rapport with the local guy.

I always make it a habit of buying a cigar in the store if I am going to plop my butt on his/her couch or chair and smoke! Simple courtesy!

Charlie

I agree!I usually ring a couple of gars in with me, and usually leave with more than I brought! 🙂

Agree with penzt8....There is a HUGH difference between a cigar store and a cigar lounge. I would never go to a lounge with my own cigars. To me, it is only courtesy to buy from the establishment as they are providing the atmosphere I am enjoying and are entitled to something from me in exchange (otherwise, how could they stay in business?).

In a cigar store I may take my own cigars........but I can't go to a cigar store and not buy SOMETHING! It may be cigars or accessories........but I don't think I've EVER visited a smokeshop without buying something. So in that respect I'm making recompense to the owner for bringing my own cigars. Just my thoughts..............

I would not consider taking cigars, which I haven't purchased at a cigar store/lounge, into that establishment, to smoke while there. It would be like taking a seat in a cocktail lounge and informing the server, "No need to stop at my table...I brought a couple of bottles of scotch and some glasses in my brief case."
If you partake in the comfort and convenience of the establishment, you should buy the cigar(s) that you smoke at that shop from that shop.
A corollary: If you purchase boxes or other significant quantities from the shop, and the owner is aware of what you've purchased previously, it's okay to bring in a cigar from a prior purchase from that shop.

Oh Yeah,
BTW I always buy, at least 1 sometimes more. I am usually smoking a cigar when I arrive. And I usually bring the owner a cigar, that I purchased elsewhere, especially if I would like to see him carry that line. I recently gifted him a PAM Torp, hoping he would start carrying Padron Products. The main thing, always make a purchase, and help keep them in buisness.
Later
Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

My local shop is too expensive. So when I go there I bring my own.
I also bitch about their prices and let everybody else know where they can buy them cheaper.

The owner's a real jerk, but I'm not afraid of her...

LAMO @ tailgator
Cavallo, . Now if I had hensed budget that would be different 🙂 The thing about would you bring your own sandwhich into a restuarant, well yes some do let you bring in your own wine, but I either bring the owner a smoke or try and but something, I have given a smoke to a owner because he filled my lighter when it ran out, when I happen to walk in and ask for some matches. I agree buy when you can, share always and ya know like we say in the box Pass. Do what's right be Fair!

PS hensed stop bidding against me lol

tailgater: I'd be LMAO, 'cept I resemble that remark too much. Thanks for the laugh anyway..

The "lounge" here is a martini bar that caters to cigar smokers and also sells some smokes, so I don't feel bad about not buying their expensive smokes. Not a big selection anyway, just teh "biggies". Seems like "downtown" smoke suppliers (this lounge and my downtown cigar shop) seem to charge a premium for being available to the spontaneous downtown smoker, the after work smoke, or after a sports event, or dinner and a play, just because you're downtown.

My local guy does allow us to BYO drinks, he even provides refrigeration and/or ice if the need arises. He's got a great smoking room in the back of the shop with nice "toys". Because of our acquaintance he has offered several cigars at VERY good prices, and for that I have gifted him some of my favorites he dosen't carry (yet). He has even offered "darkside" deals that I may have to take him up on (soon).

I agree with all, it just pays to do your local right, 'cause, what goes 'round comes 'round.

Rob "stop bidding against you" I'm not the one who over payed for those VSGs. LMAO. BTW Bartender my drink is empty. 🙂

lmao ooo nooooo but Hey I got some other stuff that's not bad either..maybe Rookie Pass #2 next summer 🙂

I did Not OVER bid..ok not much and ty for letting them go lol, I had to back away from smelly he was hunting the 858's