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THE APOCALYPSE IS UPON US

Cuba bans smoking in enclosed public areas

Los Angeles, January 19 – To quote the late, great Slim Pickens in one of his greatest roles as the evil foreman Taggart in the 1974 classic “Blazing Saddles”:

“I am depressed.”

How else can cigar lovers respond to Tuesday’s announcement that Cuba will ban all smoking in enclosed public spaces – essentially the same ban as here in California, other states and European countries – starting on February 7.

The ban is, of course, primarily aimed at cigarettes, but extends to all forms of smoking in the interiors of stores, theaters, buses and taxis. Indoor restaurants will permit smoking only in designated areas, although nothing is mentioned in the order concerning bars.

The main story on the edict, reported by the Associated Press from Havana, also did not mention whether smoking will be permitted under the new rules in Cuba’s cigar factories . . . or in the state-owned temples of tobacco, Las Casas del Habano! However, the lead to the story immediately recognized the irony of the announcement, beginning with “Despite its reputation as a producer of fine cigars, Cuba is preparing to ask smokers to step outside before lighting up.”

Moreover, the story quotes the resolution by the Commerce Ministry in part: “taking into account the damage to human health caused by the consumption of cigarettes and cigars, with the objective of contributing to a change in the attitudes of our population.”

This at a time when cigars are an ever-increasing source of hard currency for Cuba. The AP story reported that cigar production is worth $200 million annually to the island, and that approximately 40 percent of the Cuban population are smokers.

It’s safe to say that no one saw this coming. In Sunday’s editions of the International Herald Tribune, a report by correspondent Elisabetta Povoledo on the furor over smoking regulations in Italy included a comment from “Andrea Pinketts, a Milan-based crime writer and smoking advocate, [who] vowed to continue to smoke cigars in public or ‘move to Cuba, where you can smoke even in airports.’ He condemned the law as what he called a Calvinist move aimed at creating a new sort of apartheid.

"’Looking at human history, intolerance has caused more damage, even death, than smoking ever did,’ Pinketts said.” Better include Cuba on the list of the intolerant, Andrea.

Help for the Hypocrites:
We always try to keep our promises, so even with the unbelievable smoking-ban news from Havana, we’re following up on yesterday’s comment on Cuban cigars and factory codes.

These codes have been kept secret, with modest success, to try to keep consumers from “shopping” for cigars from specific factories. Ever since factory codes were stamped on boxes beginning in 1985, fanatics have sought Partagas cigars made in the Partagas factory, Montecristos from the H. Upmann factory where they originated and so on. Even the highly-protected set of current has been broken for most of the larger Havana factories, though not for many of the small, regional facilities.

There is another way, of course, one which would increase profits for Habanos . . . on the assumption that the entire Cuban cigar industry won’t be eliminated by the next edict of the Cuban Commerce Ministry . . .

Sell “home brand” cigars in special, boite nature boxes and charge a premium!

Imagine being able to satisfy your craving for specific brands made in their original factories, if you desire and can afford it. The same brands made in other factories are likely just as good today, but connoisseurs would pay a premium and everyone will be happy.

Further, by revealing the codes, new allegiances to factories will be developed, especially for the newer brands such as Cuaba, San Cristobal and Trinidad and for new shapes, such as the Edmundo from Montecristo or the Petit Robusto from Hoyo de Monterrey.

It’s an opportunity to take advantage of a public demand which has been clear since the frenzy over factory codes started in the 1980s. Then again, with the Revolution’s emphasis on equality, they could also fix the problem by simply eliminating all box codes once again.

Hammer Time:
A reminder of a kinder, gentler past when smoking was not only allowed, but celebrated is up at auction this week on eBay: a brilliant 19th Century cigar presentation cabinet, pictured above.

It’s offered by San Diego-based Susan Dean of Antiques & Uncommon Treasure and it’s a beauty.

In near-mint condition, this carousel was made in France in the Napoleon III era and is dated between 1840 and 1880. It features six doors which swing open with a twist of the filial and reveal fittings to host three standing cigars behind each door for a total of 18. Imagine being served cigars from such an elegant objet d’art following a grand dinner at a massive French chateau!

Bidding started at just $40, but by Tuesday evening, the item had already collected ten bids and risen to $280, still short of the reserve price. Not to fear, however, the auction does not end until Sunday at 6:21 p.m. Pacific time!
~ Rich Perelman

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