Reuters
Wednesday, January 15, 2003; Page A02


MIAMI, Jan. 14 -- Nine cigar companies sued Florida today to overturn a state constitutional amendment barring smoking in indoor workplaces, saying the newly passed law will prevent them from testing cigars and drive them out of business.

The cigar manufacturers and distributors, which include industry giants Altadis U.S.A. Inc. and Swisher International Inc., say the amendment passed by 71 percent of Florida voters in November will prevent them from burning tobacco in their factories, a key part of the manufacturing process.

The amendment, promoted by the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and other health groups, imposed a ban on smoking in restaurants -- with the exception of outdoor seating areas -- and enclosed workplaces, including employee break rooms.

The cigar makers said it will virtually wipe out an industry that includes 27 manufacturers and distributors, which employ 2,500 people and have a combined annual payroll of $90 million.

Florida's cigar industry produced 5.6 billion cigars in 2001, according to industry figures.

Right Your Congressmen/Senators!!!!

Hog

The Law is freakin stupid.

""""Right Your Congressmen/Senators!!!!""""

As much as I support the position of the Cigar companies, I don't think my congressman has much sway in the state politics of Florida.
We have the same BS going on here in Dallas. Banished from restaurants. Heard there was a "screw the mayor" herf last night at a cigar friendly restaurant. Hope it did some good.

Yeah Spiney,
I fly through DFW alot.
Gotta go outside the terminal to smoke.
No protection from the weather.
It Sucks
Homebrew

Spiny its not just Florida... just like the saying in Nazi Germany many years back... "doesn't Affect me I'm not Jewish"

"The most common way people give up their power
is by thinking they don't have any." -- Alice Walker, author

It's true! If smokers give in to that way of thinking, laws will be passed and taxes will be levied without a whimper from the more than 20 percent of the adult population who choose to use a legal product.

Don't let it happen. When legislation is being considered that would negatively impact smokers' rights, you have tools you can use to fight back.

Click on your state and discover the amount of cigarette taxes already collected and the payments being made as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) and other state settlements. Outraged? You should be - and so should anyone who believes in individual freedoms.

https://mysmokersrights.rjrt.com/SGRHome.jsp 

Register and afterwards you can select your State and this will automatically set up your Senitors and Congressmen/women's emails and phone numbers, and you can also view what bills are in office Locally that will affect yourself in the future.... Now you Have the Power to Act.. it's up to yourself...

Enjoy
Hog

I think you may have missed my point Hog.

Your point is well made and taken a such. I probably should be more involved on a national level.

I didn't miss your point Spiny.. I understand you live in Texas and cannot contribute anything to change something that Happened in Florida... IE this Original Post coming out of Florida... what I posted in Regards to next was a way to Contribute Locally in your State... because it Just Isn't Florida Being Attacked here... it's in every State in this Nation... and what better Place to get the Word out for folks to Contribute there .02 Cents worth to try and stop some of these BS lawmakers with Trumpt up Laws then Right here on a "Cigar Smokers" Forum??? the Ammunition is there and a person can do it from the comfort of there Arm Chair/Computer Chair while there Enjoying one of there Favorite Cigars... As I reiterate (sp) what I posted above...

Hog

We all should be involved. Both national and at the local level.
Homebrew

ooooops keyboard stuck. On the enter button. last post.