Tobacco News

12/31/12
'Twas the Friday before Christmas,
and all about Washington, the Bureaucrats were Stirring, which is not good for Cigars...
Read More


12/15/2012 Elvis on the Patio
Join us as Liberty Tobacco celebrates "the most wonderful time of the year." No it's not quite Christmas on the Prado but it is Elvis on the Patio! Saturday, December 22, 1pm. Our old friend Elvis takes center stage and brings with him the magic that has propelled him to worldwide stardom. There will be cooking delights, Jesse singing Old man River, Gangnam Style dance class, and presents from Santa, Were you a good boy this year? Better yet...were you a naughty girl?
12/9/12 Stocking Stuffer Sale!
Liberty Tobacco's Stocking Stuffers Sale, check out the flyer, a lot of accessories are on sale! Accessories make wonderful gift items, they are the gift that keeps on giving! Every time your friend or loved one uses it they will be thinking of you.
In addition, Liberty Tobacco received a lot of new items. One in particular is the Davidoff un banded from 2007
11/17/12 Annual Pig Roast!
Liberty Tobacco, Kearny Mesa is holding its pre Thanksgiving, Pig Roast! On Wednesday, Nov 21st, at 12 noon, the festivities will begin at Liberty Tobacco in Kearny Mesa. This is a great way to begin the Thanksgiving Holiday, by spending some time with your friends and enjoying some roasted pig! All you have to do is show up! See you there!
11/9/12 Democrats Super Majority and Tobacco Tax

Dear Fellow Cigar and Pipe Smokers,

Elections have consequences! For the first time since 1933 the democrats will have a super majority in Sacramento. See here for what that may mean for California cigar smokers. Click Here
11/8/12 Liberty Tobacco Annual Pipe Sale!
Its that time of year again and fans of the Briar have reason to be excited! Sunday, November 18th, through Sunday, December 2nd, 2012, Liberty Tobacco will be having its annual pipe sale! The saving will be anywhere from 10% to 40% off! Be sure to take advantage of this great savings as many of the pieces are one of a kind.
11/6/12 Liberty Luncheon Has Been Postponed.
We regret to inform you that the Liberty Luncheon on November 10th, at the 94th Aero Squadron has been postponed. Please check back later for a potential future date!

Charlie
11/2/12 Election Month!
It is a important election cycle this November 6th. When you enter the voting booth please remember those who have placed themselves on record against the FDA regulating Cigars and Pipe Tobacco. Cigar Rights of America, your voice for this passion we share has compiled a list of the 221 U.S. House of Representatives and 14 members of the U.S. Senate that have had the courage to stand with you! Please click on the link below to read more and download your 2012 Voter Guide!
10/20/12 Steak Stoggiees and Strippers Dinner!
Join us at Pacers for our monthly 3S dinner, Wednesday, October 31st, at 7pm! The featured Cigars are the Tatuaje TAA and the Tatuaje Mummy! More Info
10/20/12 Current Liberty Tobacco Newsletter
Stay current with the goings on at your favourite tobacco shop, Liberty Tobacco. To read the current newsletter, published by our very own Mr. Charlie Hennegan, Owner Operator, and Tobacconist Extraordinaire please click Here.
10/12/12 Happy 237th Birthday US Navy!
October 13th 1775 the US Navy was founded by the Continental Congress by authorizing the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels. The first missions of the armed vessels was to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. The first commissioned ship was the USS Alfred, commissioned on Dec 3, 1775. The US Marine Corps was soon thereafter formed on November 10th 1775.
Look for offers on Liberty Tobacco's Facebook page to celebrate this momentous occasion! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/LibertyTobacco
10/6/12 Dear Friends of Liberty Tobacco,

This is long overdue but I wanted to wait until everything was signed and sealed in Sacramento. So now is the time to extend to you my sincere thanks for your help in defeating Proposition 29. After the roller-coaster vote count and then, recount, the California Proposition 29 has finally been defeated officially. The final vote count:

Yes Vote: 2,568,715
No Vote: 2,592,791

We won by 24,076 votes. In a close election like this one, the campaign effort made by cigar and pipe smokers made a difference. While $45 million was spent by Philip Morris and RJ Reynold's to defeat 29 and without that funding the results could have been quite different, I like to think that it was the efforts of California cigar and pipe smokers who got us the one more vote than we needed and secured the victory. A little biased I suppose. Please click the below link to view the official election result certified by the state of California:

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2012-primary/pdf/2012-complete-sov.pdf

While the good news is that Proposition 29 has been defeated, be certain that as we speak there are efforts underway to launch a new initiative and a new tax on California cigar and pipe smokers. The profit motive is too strong. They will return. I assure you that we will stay on our guard and keep you informed of any news on this front.

In the meantime, thanks once again for all your help and support. Have a great fall and I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future! Sincerely,
Charlie Hennegan
Owner
9/14/12 shop liberty tobacco online!
You heard right, after years of hard work, sweat, and a fair amount of cigar smoking, Liberty Tobacco has now launched its online store! You can now order your favourite Liberty Tobacco products from the comfort of home by shopping online. Just click on the shopping cart in the upper left hand corner of this page or go to http://shop.libertytobacco.com
9/14/12 219 Co-Sponsors for H.R. 1639
The working majority of the United States House of Representatives have signed onto H.R. 1639 as co-sponsors. This is a victory for premium cigar and pipe tobacco enthusiasts because H.R. 1639 would keep the Food and Drug Administration from regulating this segment of the tobacco industry. If the Food and Drug Administration is allowed to regulate Cigars and Pipe tobacco, then you can expect all mail order and internet sales to cease and your local tobacco shop if it could still exist, to be a sterile, pharmacy like environment, where everything would be under lock and key, with catalogs to show product. That coupled with extreme taxes which would be crippling to the small tobacconists. Sounds extreme, however these are some of the ideas being proposed by the FDA.
Support H.R. 1639 by letting your Representatives know you support this bill. Read More
8/31/12 4th Annual Fellowship Luncheon!
The Liberty Tobacco Annual Luncheon is at hand. This year the venue will be the 94th Aero Squadron! The 94th Aero Squadron is a wonderful restaurant with great food, especially steaks, entertainment, full bar, and you guessed it, a large outdoor patio with plenty of seating and fire pits which means we will be smoking at the event! This is the event of the year, where friends and family of Liberty Tobacco get together, induct new Legends of Liberty, laugh, enjoy fine cigars, pipe tobacco, and friends! Get your tickets today, they always sell out! Click Here to see 94th Aero Squadron.
8/19/12

Anti Tobacco Lobby at It Again!
Prop 29 has not even been buried yet, the body is still warm, and the Anti Tobacco Lobby is at again! The anti tobacco lobby can't seem to accept a NO Vote. Well that makes sense when almost a billion dollars are at stake for their pet projects and slush funds. The writer of the article "California can't give up on higher tobacco taxes", does not have their facts straight, California has raised tobacco taxes since 1993! Maybe just an error in reporting???? Read the Sac Bee article.
7/20/12 Shotgun Tom Kelly Honoured in Hollywood!
Shotgun Tom Kelly, a long time San Diego Radio Celebrity is honoured by Hollywood. He will be receiving his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Shotgun Tom is a Liberty Tobacco Legend, Spokesman, and Friend and Liberty Tobacco congratulates you on your well deserved recognition! Watch Video
7/15/12 Surprise....? Recount Filed on Prop 29
No surprise here, California tobacco tax backers are requesting a recount. The proponents of this measure conceded on June 22, now it seems that a John Maa a doctor who is a member of the American Heart Association has filed a request that a 191 precincts be recounted. The request was filed on behalf of John Maa by Bradley W. Hertz of the San Francisco based Sutton Law Firm. Sacbee
7/1/12 Tatuaje Little Monsters Are In!
The gift pack takes the four released Monster Series blends and the Mini Mum, the fifth in the series scheduled for later this year. This means you get two of each, the Wolfie, The Baby Face, The Lil' Drac, Frank Jr., and the Mini Mum in smaller sizes! They are all approximately 5X48 sticks. As you can see by our rotator picture they were thoroughly enjoyed!
There will only be 10,000 of these boxes made so hurry in to get yours!
6/30/12 It appears that the fat lady is getting ready to sing! After 3 weeks of counting in a very close race on an initiative that included a huge tax on cigar and pipe smokers,   election officials are down to a handful of votes and the No on 29 side is winning.  We are keeping our fingers crossed and still pushing hard to the finish line.  See attached link from Secretary of State Office for all the details. Click Here
6/17/12 Friday, Prop 29 Gap Narrowing
Friday was a bad day for those of us who want Prop 29 to fail. By Friday night, the margin of defeat had shrunk to 16,778 votes — or four-tenths of 1%. View Results, read article from LA Times.
6/8/12 Prop 29 Update
Thank you once again for all the people who voted No on Prop 29! We are winning this fight only by a slim margin which shows that we must remain vigilant! Remember to vote at every election cycle because your vote does count! Prop 29 is proof of this. The state does not need yet another bureaucracy for imaginary health care projects when there is nothing in this bill to keep the tax dollars from disappearing into the general fund! Not now, not ever!
Liberty Tobacco thanks you again for all the support, and remember to follow us on our Facebook page to stay informed, comment, ask questions, post pic's and to receive inside knowledge of Liberty Tobacco Sales! http://www.facebook.com/LibertyTobacco
6/3/12 Polls Show Support For Prop 29 Slipping
People are beginning to see the writing on the wall, If we raise taxes obscenely on tobacco then what's next? What other product or privilege will be taxed to death? Coffee, caffeinated drinks, fast food? We as California's can ill afford to allow a select few to reap large rewards for miss handling of our tax dollars and Prop 29 offers no accountability. The monies collected could go to just about anything, including out of the country!
The Sacramento Bee reports that,

"The measure, once supported by a wide majority of Californians, now leads by only eight percentage points among likely voters, 50 percent to 42 percent, according to a Field Poll released today."

Interviews show that people do not feel the money will be spent wisely and that the monies will likely be spent out of state.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/31/4527326/field-poll-finds-slipping-support.html#storylink=cpy
5/25/12 No on Prop 29 Rally!
On Friday, June 1, Liberty Tobacco's Kearny Mesa store will become political headquarters for the No on 29 campaign. Join us as we push to the finish line in an all out effort to turn back this onerous tax on cigar and pipe smokers (73% increase!) We will do it the ol' Chicago way - with fraud and deception. Yes, well will even pay for your vote! Polish Steve, who worked the Chicago precincts for 4 decades and is the mastermind behind scores of stolen elections, will serve as Headquarters Chairman and instruct you on the wily ways of Chicago Politics.
5/19/12

Owner of Liberty Tobacco, Vote No on Prop 29!
In a recent letter to customers the owner of Liberty Tobacco urges friends of Liberty Tobacco to vote no on Proposition 29. Charlie, the owner of Liberty has always been extremely proactive in his attempts to keep prices affordable and taxes to a minimum. Now he needs your help. Proposition 29 will be on the June 5th ballot and proposes to raise cigar and pipe tobacco tax by 73%! Please click on the link to Read More
5/12/12 Armed Forces Day, May 19th!
Honouring our past and present troops who fought for our freedom! All active and non-active with military I.D. will receive a free cigar with the purchase of any General Cigar Product! There will be plenty of BBQ and fun from 12 to 4 PM on May 19th at Liberty Tobacco in Kearny Mesa! There will be specials for non military as well with proceeds to benefit Home Front San Diego! Stop by and enjoy!
5/11/12 Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduces Cigar Tax Hike
Please click here to read legislation that was introduced yesterday by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) that increases the tax on large cigars. 
IPCPR will monitor this issue and keep you informed.

The bill, titled the "Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2012" states that for cigars weighing more than 3 pounds per thousand, the per cigar tax cannot increase above 100.66 cents. Currently, this tax cannot be more than 40.26 cents per cigar. The bill also establishes a floor for the tax, stating that the levy cannot be less than 5.033 cents per cigar.

The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

As you know, the Senate recently added an amendment to its highway bill that requires pipe tobacco and roll-you-own tobacco to be taxed similarly by reclassify tobacco shops that offer roll-your-own cigarette machines as 'tobacco manufacturers.' That bill is currently the subject of a House and Senate conference and it is not clear if the measure will become law.

We will provide you with updates on this bill as events occur.
5/10/12 Liberty Tobacco Spring 2012 Newsletter!
The new Liberty Tobacco newsletter is out, read to see what has been going on and what is coming up at Liberty Tobacco!
5/09/12 Jerry Brown Fires Doctor in Anti-Tobacco Tax Ad!
Gov. Jerry Brown fires Dr. La Donna Porter from the State Health board after she appeared in anti tobacco tax hike ad. read more
4/28/12 Los Angeles Times Urges No Vote on Prop. 29!

The Los Angeles Times editorialised AGAINST Prop. 29 today!  The state’s leading newspaper doesn’t always get them right, but they nailed this one:

  • Proposition 29 is well intentioned, but it just doesn't make sense for the state to get into the medical research business to the tune of half a billion dollars a year when it has so many other important unmet needs.”
  • “Funding priorities shouldn’t be set at the ballot box.”
  • In Prop. 29, “there is no mandate to keep it from going to research projects out of state.”
  • “Voters also should be concerned about the lack of accountability under Proposition 29.”
  • And finally: “We recommend a no vote on Proposition 29.”

    The LA Times editorial comes right as more and more people are speaking out against this flawed measure.  Check out the op-ed by Dr. Tom Bogetich, former Executive Director of the California Board of Education, in the San Francisco Chronicle on how Prop. 29 would shortchange schools more than $300 million … every year! Read it here.

    Help Us Spread the News

    Believe it or not, not everyone in California has a subscription to the LA Times, so we need your help to get the word out about this important editorial.  Please use the sample Twitter and Facebook posts below to tell your friends, family, colleagues or members. 

    Paid for by No on 29 – Californians Against Out-of-Control Taxes and Spending. Major funding by Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, with a coalition of taxpayers, small businesses, law enforcement and labor.
    Cigar Rights Of America

 

4/27/12 My Father Cigar Event, Friday, May 4th, Kearny Mesa!
Come on in, relax, and enjoy yourself with a premium cigar by My Father Cigars. Constantly in the top 25 cigars of the year! Don Pepin is truly a master! The Cuban Press often compared the speed and dexterity of his rolling to that of a magician. He is also a Tabaquero Maestro (Master Blender), and was also, "teacher of teachers" in the arts of blending and rolling cigars. Jaime Garcia is following in his fathers footsteps with the My Father #1, rated the number three cigar of 2009. This cigar and others by My Father Cigars have not lost a step. They are truly works of art.
4/14/12 Rocky Patel Event, April 20th!
We are having a Rocky Patel Event Friday, April 20th, at Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa! This event will last the entire day and will be jammed packed with great savings, value, and fun. We are offering insane deals on Rocky Patel product! So if you love Rocky Patel, or if you never have tried, or just want to have a great time, then stop by and join us!
3/29/12
Emmanuel Ferrero Passes Away
Emmanuel Ferrero, the senior vice president of Ashton Distributors Inc., pass away suddenly at the Tobacconists’ Association of America retail convention in Los Cabos, Mexico on March 28th, 2012. He was 63 years old.

Ferrero, known as "Manny," was dancing when he collapsed and was not able to be revived.

Mannny was a full-time police officer in Philadelphia when he began working in the cigar industry in 1978. He became brand manager for Asthton Cigars in the late 80's and played an instrumental role in helping create Ashton's newest brands, the series of La Aroma de Cuba and San Cristobal cigars.

Manny's funeral for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April, 3, from 9 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a mass at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury, Pennsylvania.

In special memory of Emmanuel "Manny" Ferrero, all Ashton Cigars will 15% off Tuesday April 3rd.

He will be sorely missed!
3/3/12 No on Proposition 29
Raises taxes by $855 million, but does not require that the new funds go to the research it is purportedly written for. This bill will not help California pay down its debt, it just hits your pocket book and sets precedence that it is ok to spend without discretion as long as we allow our leaders to tax, tax, tax, and tax us more! The bill also shortchanges our schools by more than $300 million because it was written to avoid California’s constitutional requirement that 40% of all new tax revenues goes to education.
What other freedoms are our leaders going to raise taxes on? Coffee? Imagine 50% percent or more of the cost you pay on a cup of coffee was tax. A cup of coffee would cost you $6 or more! Well thats is what they are taxing other tobacco products and this bill would raise that!
Read More. Print Fact Sheet
2/21/12 March Sales and Events
End of February and March will be another incredible month of savings for our loyal customers! Liberty Tobacco will be having six different sales events! That's right, six different sales events! If you enjoy, Ashton, Gurka, or are looking to get a top of the line Daniel Marshall humidor, March is going to be your favourite month! Read More
2/20/12 STEAKS, STOGGIES, AND STRIPPERS!
Cigar Dinner at Pacers on February 29th, 7:00 PM to 10PM! Inquire in store for more details.
2/19/12 International Pipe Day Feb. 20th
On February 20th pipe smokers everywhere will "raise their pipes together to foster friendship, benevolence, and tranquility across all borders," according to the United Pipe Clubs of America. To celebrate Liberty Tobacco is having a pipe and pipe tobacco sale!
International Pipe Smoking Day was founded in 2008 by "Smokers Forums", a European Internet group. It is supported by the Comite International des Pipes Clubs and members in 25 countries around the world! To read more
2/11/12 Cigar Bars Make A Comeback At Luxury Hotels-Forbes
Interesting article about cigar bars making a comeback even though the Anti-Smoking Coalition has be advocating smoking bans in public places. Maybe there is a new one in San Diego's future? Read More
2/4/12 Vote NO on California Proposition 29!
California Proposition 29, Tobacco Tax for Cancer Research Act has made it to the June 2012 ballot. It will increase cigarette tax by $1 per pack and an equivalent tax increase on other tobacco products, i.e. pipe tobacco, cigars, snus, etc...... It would rank California 15th highest in the nation in taxes! The bill also includes language about tobacco law enforcement! What is tobacco law enforcement? The American Heart and Lung Association Lobby amongst others are avidly supporting this tax initiative and they have deep pockets! Do not allow government intrusion into your life! Do not let another Freedom and Right be taken away from you! Let the Anti-Tobacco Coalition hear your voice! Vote NO on Proposition 29! Read More
2/4/12 Super Bowl Sunday Party, Liberty Tobacco Style!
Back by popular demand is the mad Russian chef Alexei. Join us as he first takes on a 25lb turkey in a cage match UFC showdown and, after beating it senseless, cooks and carves it to the bare bone - all to the delight of hungry masses. It's guaranteed to make for the best turkey sandwiches you'll ever have. And then of course you might want to watch the football game that's being played that day. Catch all the gridiron action on 5 big screen tvs. See you there!
1/28/12 More Tobacco Tax Initiatives
An initiative calling for a tax increase on cigars and pipe tobacco has qualified for the june primary ballot (June 5, 2012).  As yet it has not received a proposition number.  To read more about it going to the following link: Ballot Pedia
1/21/12 In the Pipe World
Last year PipesMagazine.com conducted a survey of 867 pipe smokers on what/who influenced you to start smoking a pipe. Click here to Read More.
1/7/12 American Legion Post 434 Cigar Social
Photos of the American Legion Cigar Social are up on our photos page. It was a wonderful event and we thank the American Legion Post 434 for having us. Many heroes, family and friends were in attendance, including Nick Popaditch, who is running for Congress in California's 53rd District. To view photos click here.
11/25/11 Liberty Tobacco Del Mar

Our Del Mar Location now has a Google Plus Page. You can now keep up on what is new at Liberty Tobacco Del Mar! Join our Circle
11/25/11
Liberty Tobacco Flower Hill Mall construction special!

Avoid the dust and parking hassles. Liberty Tobacco is offering delivery service during construction at the Flower Hill Mall.
Minimum order is $40 and we are cutting the delivery fee in half to $7.50.
Delivery radius is 15 miles around the Del Mar Liberty Tobacco store and the delivery times must be coordinated.
Please call 858-523-9240 to schedule your delivery!
11/19/2011 Pearl Harbor Day

Liberty Tobacco Presents "Pearl Harbor Day", Wednesday December 7th, 2011 at the 94th Aero Squadron from 6pm to 9pm! This is a Cigar benifit with the proceeds to go to Home Front of San Diego. There will be dinner, a movie, and cigars all for $40! Mark the date, we will see you there!
11/15/2011
Dear Fellow Cigar Enthusiasts,
 
Do you have a minute?  That’s all it should take.  I urge you to follow the links and either fill out a petition online at CRA (Cigar Rights of America) or go to the linked Petition at the bottom of the page, sign it, and fax it to 800-460-6207.  Your action will go a long way toward helping us to preserve a cherished pastime that we all enjoy – cigar smoking.  Yes, the act of cigar smoking is now under attack in Washington DC.  The FDA is now tilting its guns in the direction of cigars.   We must all take action if we are going to prevent the anti-tobacco folks from taking control of the cigar industry in this country.

For those of you who are unaware, below is a brief summary of what we are trying to accomplish.

Help Exempt Premium Cigars From FDA Regulation!  We can do this with the passage of…..
H.R. 1639 / S. 1461 - Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act

On April 26, 2010, December 20, 2010, and July 7, 2011 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration publicly posted their intent to regulate cigars in the Federal Register.  With those actions now on the table it is incumbent upon the cigar enthusiasts of the United States to voice their opposition to any proposed new regulation of premium/traditional cigars by the United States Government.

As a result H.R. 1639<http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hr1639> has been filed in the U.S. House of Representatives; and a companion bill, Senate Bill 1461< http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112s1461>, has been filed in the Senate. Both are filed under the banner of the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act. This bi-partisan legislation would make premium/traditional cigars off limits to FDA regulation and clarify the Food & Drug Administration's jurisdiction in the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of traditional and premium cigars.

Such legislation will protect the industry from unneeded regulation and taxation.   From the fields and factories of Central America to your town’s cigar and pipe shop to the individual consumer, a positive impact would be felt.  It is in the interest of all of us that 1639 be passed and placed into law.

Some of what we could see should the FDA get control of cigars:  no more walk-in humidors; limits on advertising and promotions;  government  "tasting and testing" approval of products;  the limiting of flavored tobacco products;  and price increases due to new fees.   The list goes on.  But for now we need your help.  There are two ways to help, go to CRA (Cigar Rights of America) and fill out a Petition, it only takes a few minutes, or Download, sign and fax this petition now.  Thank you.
 
And thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter.
 
Happy Smoking,
Charlie
Owner
Liberty Tobacco
   
10/28/11 November Events At Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa!

Nov 4th, Meet Scott Sherman, Candidate for SD City Council 5pm to 7pm!
Wow, could it be possible?! A cigar smoker on the SD City Council. Lets hope so. But first there is work to be done. Namely fundraising and that's what this event is. Come prepared to 'drop something in the bucket and financially help this long time friend and customer of Liberty Tobacco. as he plans to correct some longtime ills with our fine city. BBQ and Cigars!

Nov 5th, Liberty Goes Retro
We will be unveiling the newest smoke from La Gloria Cubana, "The Artesanos Retro Especiale"! General Cigar's Michael Giannini will be our honoured guest for the occasion. 50 lovely Cuban art prints will be given away! Actions starts at 1pm!

Nov 10th, Eric Stokkebye
Eric Stokkebye from the famous Stokkebye family will join us at our Kearny Mesa Store. An afternoon of fun, pipes, and cigars. Known worldwide for their pipe tobacco, Stokkebye is also the producers behind the Libertad and 1888 cigars. Come check out deals on Villiger Cigars, Pipe Tobacco, and Rolling Tobacco.

Nov18th thru 27th, Annual Pipe Show & Sale
Your yearly chance to pick up a hi-grade briar or meerschaum pipe at a bargain price. Holiday shoppers make note. Great gift opportunities for dad, hubby, or anyone else on your holiday list! Look for price breaks on tobacco and accessories also. Daily prizes and giveaways!

Nov 23rd, Battle of the Wishbones
This day is dedicated to Liberty Tobacco turkeys (and we have a few). Food and snacks all day long concluding with our 35th annual Wishbone contest. Blow off work early and join us for this fun event. $5 entry fee with all proceeds going to Home Front San Diego. A box of fine cigars to the winner-$200 value!

10/20/11 What Would Happen if The FDA Controlled and Regulated Premium Cigars?
  • Higher cigar prices funding FDA to take control of the cigar industry
  • Manufacturing restrictions that ruin the taste and aroma of your cigar 
  • Potential end to new cigar blends and limited editions
  • No more self-service walk-in humidors–your cigars could be behind lock and key
  • Onerous advertising restrictions
  •  No more premium cigars with flavours of coffee, distilled spirits, or other flavourings sought only by adult audiences 

Do not let the FDA regulate the premium cigar industry! Contact your Congressman Today!


Brought to you by the IPCPR, International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association.

It is up to us to support H.R. 1639 and protect our rights!

9/25/11 WAY TO GO KANSAS!
Cigar Rights of America congratulates the State of Kansas for being the first state in the nation to have 100% of its membership in the U.S. House of Representatives as co-sponsors of H.R. 1639, a bill to exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. Read More
9/24/11
9/24/11 BIG SMOKE
Cigar Aficionado's the Las Vegas Big Smoke will be at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino, Oct. 28th thru the 29tth, 2011! Read More
9/23/11 LETTER FROM J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO.
Charlie,
Thank you for taking the time to talk to me this morning. On behalf of Bobby Newman, Carlito Fuente, and everyone in our industry, we need your help. Please take 2 minutes to use the CRA website to send an email to your Congressman and Senators. Read More
9/2/11 Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa is having an Auction!
In remembrance of 9/11 we are holding a silent auction with all the proceeds to go to Operation Home Front of San Diego! The winners of the Silent Auction will be announced on Sept 30, 2011. There are items up for bid such as a Dunhill Christmas Book Case Collectors Pipe, Gurka Cigars, and Humidor with a 10 pack of cigars from Cigar Rights of America! All opening bids are well below cost and all proceeds from the auction will go to Operation Home Front San Diego! Stop in and place a bid on your favourite item and help the Families of our Service Members and Wounded Warriors that are in need!
8/5/11 August Events!
August is going to be a busy month here at Liberty Tobacco which translates to great fun and enjoyment for you! Starting off the month, Friday August 12th we are having a Davidoff Sale at both locations! Come in and enjoy the world of Davidoff Cigars! Only the best for the best! That same day, we will be at "Dennis Prager Live" at the Centre at Lexus Escondido! http://www.kcbq.com/default.aspx
Friday, August 19th, General Cigar Event at Liberty Station! Be Sure to stop by and see us!
Finishing off this bonanza of events is La Flor Dominicana! We will be having a La Flor Dominicana sale on Friday, August 26th, at both Liberty Tobacco locations!
Wow! What a month of events, fun, and savings! I am salivating at the mouth just writing this! Be sure to stop and see us and have a wonderful month from the crew at Liberty Tobacco! See you there!
7/22/11 Update From The Owner
Hello fellow cigar and pipe smokers,
First, much thanks to all of you for your help in our ongoing battle with the nanny state of California.  The following is a news release issued today by the trade association that represents the state’s 350 retail tobacco stores.  It  provides a current status report on AB 575, legislation that seeks to shutdown smoking rooms and lounges.  Thanks again or your interest in this issue.  We will keep you updated.

Charlie
Liberty tobacco

Senate Bill 575 Remains Held in Assembly Committee 

Bill may be Reconsidered in 2012; Retail Tobacconists, Private Clubs Exempt

Description: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs095/1101665745359/img/5.jpg

July 11, 2011 - What looked to be a closed case for Senate Bill (SB) 575, legislation to expand the state's smoking ban while exempting retail tobacco shops and private lounges, briefly looked to be back in action in the Assembly's Government Operations Committee. 

As every state has its political history, SB575 may well be remembered for quite some time following a contentious reconsideration by the Assembly committee. The committee chair declined to allow the bill's sponsor to speak before his bill was considered. Witnesses in favor of the legislation were also denied the opportunity to present testimony--something that rarely happens in Sacramento. 

Though the committee has scheduled another hearing for Wednesday, SB575 will not be on the agenda and will not be brought back for reconsideration (again) for the rest of the 2011 legislative session. The bill may be reconsidered in 2012--as expected.  

Professional lobbying by the IPCPR's state lobbyists, legislative visits with retailers and the IPCPR's legislative director, and coordination with the Cigar Association of America secured key exemptions for retail tobacco shops and private cigar lounges. 

The intent of SB 575 was to tighten loopholes in the state's labor code being exploited by certain businesses where smoking continued despite the statewide ban. 

We will continue monitoring the State Assembly for SB 575 and other similar legislation attempting to expand the state's smoking ban and will report accordingly. 
7/9/11 Operation ‘Cigar Liberty’ NEEDS YOU -
The FDA is fighting back as expected against "HR1639". In the July 7 Federal Register, FDA restated its authority to issue regulations deeming "other tobacco products" i.e. Cigars and Pipe Tobacco, to be subject to their domain. If you enjoy Cigars and Pipe Tobacco and do not want another set of regulations on a product you enjoy then please sign the FDA petition supporting H.R. 1639, call your member of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, and Ask your member of Congress to sign on as a sponsor of H.R. 1639. To sign, get listing of your Representatives, ask your Congressman for support, and to read more...Click Here.
7/9/11 Alec Bradley Event, Both Stores
Thursday, July 14th at Liberty Tobacco Del Mar and Friday, July 15th at Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa. Join us for Discounts, Give a ways, and Fun! Inquire at either Liberty location for details. See you there!
7/8/11 California Smoking Ban Expansion Bill Dies!
Thanks to all your help Senate Bill 575 Died in Assembly Committee. This is in large part to all of you who signed petitions, and wrote your Representative in opposition to this bill. This Bill could be brought back to life next year so we all must stand ready to defeat bad legislation. Read More at IPCPR
7/8/11 Luigi Viprati Pipe Show Sunday July 10th!
Luigi Viprati will be at Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa on Sunday, July 10th, all day. Mr. Viprati will be showcasing over 200 pipes and accessories! Luigi Viprati has built a reputation for hand crafting some of the most breathtaking straight grains available. He periodically visits the mills to hand select each block of extra extra plateau Ligurian briar, which is extremely rare and the most sought after wood. The result is meticulously hand made pipes with dramatic grain and workmanship - and one of the coolest, smoothest smoking pipes in the world.
Grading is by clover leaves stamped on the shank, from one to five in ascending order. there is no Grade 3 (the number 3 is considered unlucky by some Italians). Top pipes are marked as Fiammatas. Additionally, Viprati sometimes produces exclusive ranges with series names of their own. Rusticated Pipes are un graded.
6/25/11 Promote HR1639 Today To Keep The FDA Out Of the Premium Cigar and Pipe Tobacco Business
Contact your member of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor and support our bill. This will help keep big government out of your local Tobacconist and help keep costs down, which saves you money!
See how easy it is!
6/24/11 Oliva Cigar Event
Oliva Cigars will be featured Friday, July 1st, all day at both stores. Inquire at each store for specials and discounts! This sale is a great way to start off your 4th of July weekend! Enjoy, see you soon!
6/10/11 General Cigar and cao event!
Thursday June 16th, Liberty Tobacco Del Mar, and Friday, June 17th
at Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa! There will be a BBQ at Kearny Mesa, refreshments at Del Mar. Look to have a great time with friends and family at both locations and enjoy free giveaways, raffles, and indulge in deep discounts on your favourite General Cigar products! See you there!
5/27/11 Both Liberty Tobacco Locations will be open Memorial Day!
5/26/11 Operation Cigar Liberty
Cigar Rights of America is starting a national petition drive for 1639 petitions from each Congressional District in America, in favour of H.R. 1639. H.R. 1639 calls upon the U.S. Food & Drug Administration - Center for Tobacco Products not to regulate premium/cigars as they do other tobacco products. Over twenty members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate support this bill. Link to sign H.R. 1639 petition
read more.
5/25/11 Carlos Torano Cigar Event!
Thursday June 2nd in Del Mar, Friday June 3rd in Kearny Mesa!
Stop by and enjoy a wonderful cigar by Carlos Torano. The Exodus 1959, 50 Years Box Press was rated the number 12 cigar of the year by Cigar Aficionado! There will be event only specials, discounts, and giveaways! Be sure to stop by.
5/13/11 Stop the $855 Million Tax Hike!

A poorly drafted, flawed measure would raise taxes in California!
Get the facts and take action at California's Against Out-OF-Control
Taxes & Spending!

5/1/11 Calling All Tobacconists and Consumers!

Urge your Members of Congress to Co-Sponsor HR1639! This includes a federal cigar definition and exemption for the FDA's Tobacco Control Act legislation! If you are for less government interference and less taxation then this bill is for you. The FDA was given authority to regulate tobacco products by President Obama in 2009 by signing the Tobacco Control Act. HR1639 will provide for an exemption on cigars therefore keeping the government from further regulating and taxing the cigar and retail tobacconist industry. These means you continue to enjoy your freedoms! Act Today by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to support HR1639!
4/15/11 Senate Bill 575 Update

The expanded Smoking Ban passes in the Senate Labor and Industrial
Relations Committee with a 5-2 vote. The bill has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Action you can take, contact your member of the California Assembly and Senate and sign the CRA Petition. Click Here!
4/15/11 Dear Cigar Smokers of the World,

City of Long Beach, CA is once again looking to steal an American Citizen’s rights! April 12th, 2011 at 5pm Long Beach City Council will attempt a continuum of a Smoking Ordinance and Moratorium against new cigar lounges from opening within Long Beach City Limits.
Please call and email these Council Members with your constructive and educated position.  As U.S. Citizens whose pursuit of happiness is to enjoy a cigar.
Click Here for Contact Information
Click Here for more information on the ordinance
4/10/11 Villiger Stokkebye's La Libertad Event!
At Liberty Tobacco Del Mar, Thursday April 21st! The La Libertad is a new cigar with a blend of tobaccos from across Central America and the Caribbean. Inquire at Liberty Tobacco Del Mar for details!
4/10/11 Legislative Alert!
Jerry Brown’s budget talks that ran aground this week in Sacramento will have a direct effect on state cigar and pipe smokers, since it puts on hold the initiative that calls for a doubling of the excise tax (also called other tobacco tax or OTP).  There is some talk of a November election but that is a wait and see proposition at this point.  If not this fall,  the initiative, which calls for a $1 a pack hike on cigarettes and an increase from 33 to 65% on OTP, will certainly  appear on the February 2012 ballot.  Stay tuned.
4/1/11 April Fools Event!
April Fools Cigar and Mystery Gift event at both Liberty Tobacco locations! Stop by for all the fun and games, you do not want to miss this! Friday, April 1st!
3/22/11 Rocky Patel, Nording Cigar Event!
March 22nd, at Liberty Tobacco in Kearny Mesa! Inquire in store for details and specials!
3/18/11 Legislative Alert!
As Senator DeSaulniers takes the lead in introducing Senate Bill 575 it is imperative that every passionate cigar enthusiast and retail tobacconist engage themselves in this legislative battle. Read More

Senate Bill 575 would ban smoking in all retail tobacco businesses, private clubs, hotel lobbies, bars, taverns, banquet rooms, warehouse facilities, and employee break rooms.
Sign a petition in opposition of State Senate Bill 575

Today more than ever before there is an active assault on your right to choose! With so many bills on the California ballot that would deny you the right to enjoy luxury tobacco products you must let your voice be heard! These bills would eliminate your right to enjoy a legal product. A product that built America, that is steeped in tradition, which allows for relaxation and pleasure, that is associated with the good life; Cigars and Pipe Tobacco! When people hear tobacco it is usually associated with cigarettes. The taxes, although excessive are deemed acceptable by most. Unfortunately the very same taxes affect Cigars and Pipe Tobacco as well. If you feel you have been taxed enough on a product you enjoy, that these taxes are intrusive, then I urge you to visit the CRA, sign the petitions, and let your elected officials know where you stand. Make no mistake; the organizations behind all the restrictions and taxation are very well organized. Send a clear message today by joining the Cigar Rights of America!
3/17/11 Kristoff Celebrate Life Cigar Event!
Liberty Tobacco Del Mar is hosting a Kristoff cigar event on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day! Come in, enjoy a premium cigar by Kristoff, relax, meet Glen Case (Owner of Kristoff), and enjoy great savings! Event is from 3pm to 8pm! Limited food and drink will be provided. Wear green and get something special from Danny Boy!
3/4/11 Lance Armstrong Targets California for $20 Million Cigarette Tax Campaign
Lance Armstrong, the champion cyclist and cancer survivor, plans to lead a $20 million campaign to persuade voters to finance medical research by doubling California’s cigarette tax. Armstrong’s goal of adding $1 a pack to the current tax of 87 cents would yield about $850 million a year and raise the average retail cost to $5.40. That would still be well behind New York City, where state and local taxes add $6.46 a pack, according to the city Finance Department web site. By James Nash March 1, 20011. Read More
3/1/11 Berger & Argenti Cigar Event

Saturday, March 5th at Liberty Tobacco Del Mar and Sunday March 6th at Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa. Come in, relax, and enjoy a premium cigar with Al Argenti and Andy the Cigar Guy! The Entubar is Berger & Argenti's flagship blend. It boasts Nicaraguan and Dominican filler leaves, a Nicaraguan binder, and a Ecuadorian wrapper! Look for specials and discounts on Berger & Argenti product, including free smokes with purchase & big discounts on box purchases! Limited food and drink will be available.
02/23/11 From The Owner On Taxes.

Word this week from Sacramento brought news of several state bills that could impact the lives of all California cigar and pipe smokers.
SB 330 proposes to increase the cigarette excise tax rate by $1.50 a pack and an equivalent tax on cigars and pipe tobacco.
SB 331 proposes to restrict tobacco sales within 600 feet of schools.
SB 332 proposes to allow landlords to ban smoking in and around their rental properties.
SB 417 would prevent welfare recipients from using their Electronic Benefit Transfer to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.
SB 575 would ban smoking in retail and wholesale tobacco shops, meeting and banquet rooms, warehouses, break rooms and at businesses with five or fewer employees.
Further, there is a good likelihood that an initiative to increase the excise tax on cigarettes by $1.00, and therefore other tobacco products (cigars and pipe tobacco) could be on the June 2011 ballot. We will do our best to keep you updated on these proposals and events. To read more click here to read article published by the Associated Press, written by Don Thompson, February 21st, 2011.
2/21/11 Bagels and Basketball!

Join us for San Diego State Aztec's basketball, on Saturday, February 26th, at 11 am! Enjoy a great smoke, food, and propositions, as the Aztecs take on rival BYU. The locals will seek to avenge their only loss of the season and improve on their NCAA Tournament seed! Click here for more information! Available at both Liberty Tobacco locations.
2/21/11 Macanudo Day Event Photo's!

New picture gallery, Macanudo Day! Macanudo Day was an event held by Liberty Tobacco and General Cigar to celebrate Macanudo's 50th anniversary and to unveil Macanudo's newest cigar the Cru Royale. One lucky person at the event won a thousand dollars! That's right, a thousand dollars!

2/10/11 Anti-Valentines Day-Winter Russian Cigar Dinner!

True North Tavern is putting on a cigar dinner Tuesday February 15th
8pm - 10pm! This is for the person who loves amazing food, great cigars, and delicious beverages! There will be a 4 course meal and 3 great cigars provided by Joya de Nicaragua. One of the cigars will be the big daddy Perfecto Gordo Cabinetta, which is very limited! What more could you ask for, cigars, a 4 course meal, entertainment, vodka, great service and best of all great comrades! For More Information Click Here!
2/3/11 Sal Fontana, an Industry Giant Dies at 86

Sal Fontana, a top executive at Camacho Cigars passed away yesterday at the age of 86. Fontana is responsible for one of Camacho's best cigars, The Triple Maduro. He will be missed by all of us in the cigar industry. Read More.
2/3/11 Texas, Old Enough to Fight For Country Not Old Enough to Smoke!

Texas is looking to raise the minimum age for Use and Purchase of tobacco to 19. It seems to me that there is some confusion, you are considered an adult at the age of 18 right? Texas considers 18 old enough to fight for the country, vote, marry, etc... However when it comes making a choice on weather or not to smoke, Texas considers 18 year olds to be adolescents. Read More.
01/24/11 Owner of Liberty Tobacco Goes To Sacramento

Charlie fights for your rights! Charlie has always been very proactive ensuring that luxury tobacco will remain available and affordable to all. One way he does this is by staying abreast of new tax initiatives.
A couple of weeks ago Charlie made a last minute trip to Sacramento to monitor a qualified initiative that may be moved up to the June 2011 ballot. His report is as follows.
"As we enter 2011 the eyes of all California cigar and pipe smokers are on Sacramento and Governor Brown’s plan for a special election for June of this year.  Currently, there is a qualified initiative that includes an increase in the tobacco tax (cigarette and OTP) waiting to be voted on by the public in February, 2012.   This tax would raise the rate on OTP (Other Tobacco Products) – cigars and pipe tobacco and smokeless tobacco – from a current rate of 33% to 65-70%.   However, if the legislature allows the Governor’s budget plan to go out for vote in June, it is highly likely that this measure would be moved up and placed on the June ballot.  The legislature is now considering the idea of a June ballot.   Stay tuned for updates."
For more information on this initiative and Governor Jerry Brown tax increases read the following "Jerry on a Leash" by Jon Coupal 1/23/11.
01/20/11 San Diego Pipe Club Meeting

Remember tonight the San Diego Pipe Club Monthly Meeting! With the New Year they are starting monthly meetings the Third Thursday of each month. The first will be on January 20th at 6:30 pm at True North Tavern in North Park. 3815 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104. For any questions email sandiegopipeclub@gmail.com.
01/17/11 Liberty Tobacco Pipe Class

Liberty Tobacco Kearny Mesa "Pipe Smoking Class", February 20th! Cedric will be teaching about the nuances of proper pipe smoking, tobacco selection, care and cleaning of briar and meerschaum pipes, and how to select the right tobacco pipe! Food and drinks will be provided. Call to reserve your spot 858-292-1772.
01/14/11 Liberty Tobacco Event

"Brick House Bash" at both Liberty Tobacco Locations, January 27th!
01/10/11 New Liberty Tobacco Video

New Page and Video "Experience Liberty Tobacco Del Mar"! This video showcases Liberty Tobacco's newest shop in North San Diego County. The shop is located in the beautiful Flower Hill Mall in Del Mar California where the "Surf Meets the Turf"!
01/01/11 Cigar Aficionado "The 25 Best Cigars of 2010" Cigars 10 thru 1 are revealed!
01/01/11 Legends of Liberty Photo's

New picture gallery "Legends of Liberty Luncheon"! The Legends of Liberty Luncheon is an annual event that Liberty Tobacco puts on to thank its customers for being a part of the "Liberty Tobacco Experience"! This year the event was held at the Butcher Shop! The meal was spectacular, the fellowship phenomenal, and the experience one of a kind! This truly is a unique community.
12/26/10 Coming to a town near you, Fourth Hand Smoke!

San Diego State University studies "Third-Hand Smoke"! "When smokers move out, carcinogens remain" by Janet Lavelle, Dec. 16, 2010.
12/20/10 Liberty Tobacco You Tube Channel

Liberty Tobacco adds a You Tube Channel with cigar reviews and more!
11/30/10 Cigar Rights of America & New York Tobacconist Association
11/30/10 CRA Petition - Santa Clara, California Nov. 30, 2010
11/29/10 IPCPR-Newsletter Nov. 29, 2010
11/24/10 Liberty Tobacco Del Mar

Liberty Tobacco in the Flower Hill Mall is profiled in General Snus Shop Talk
11/22/10 Educational Rally to Protect Smoker's Rights Nov. 22, 2010
11/19/10 San Jose Trying to Turn Out the Lights in Smoke Shops Nov. 19, 2010
11/19/10 Liberty Tobacco is Now On Facebook

Liberty Tobacco has a Facebook Fan Page, you can post, review, upload photos, videos, and interact with other customers or the staff! Be informed about coupons, sales, events, new legislation, and tobacco news.

11/17/10 Liberty Tobacco Is Now on Twitter

Liberty Tobacco now has a Twitter account. If you would like information on discounts, events, and sales at Liberty Tobacco, follow us on Twitter at Liberty_Tobacco.
05/04/10 Governor rejects smoking ban at beach's and parks May 4, 2010
04/12/10 Rebuttal to Parade Magazine Article by IPCPR April 12, 2010

 


 

 

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