2008 General Assembly Wrap-Up:

The 2008 session of the Virginia General Assembly began on January 9, with the premium cigar retail establishments of Virginia and their patrons being threatened as never before. Fresh off the heals of the industry having to fight an unprecedented level of proposed federal taxation on cigars, legislators on the state level proposed another attempt to prevent cigar enthusiasts from around Virginia from enjoying a fine cigar.  

Governor Tim Kaine was the first governor in Virginia history to support an across the board smoking ban in all Virginia restaurants and bars, including private clubs. In addition, numerous legislators from both the Democrat and Republican Party filed varying versions of a smoking ban. All such bills were filed by January 18 and defeated during General Assembly.  

The Cigar Association of Virginia is a member of a broad based business coalition that worked to defeat smoking ban legislation. As in 2007, this coalition once again came together to defeat the Governor's attempt for a smoking ban.  The group includes the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Retail Merchants Association, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Manufacturers Association, Virginia Petroleum and Convenience Store Operators, RJR and Philip Morris, and the cornerstone member - the Virginia Hospitaility and Travel Association.

 

Who We Are:

As you are aware, there have been numerous attacks on the retail tobacconists of Virginia and our customers. Smoking bans, taxation, and a general infringement on the ability of our customers to enjoy the products we offer are now a reality in the state of Virginia.

In response to these attacks, the Cigar Association of Virginia (CAV) has been formed as a political action committee for the retail tobacconists, our customers, and others that have an interest in the products we sell and the businesses that we run.

The primary goals of the Cigar Association of Virginia are:

• Contest smoking ban legislation in private businesses
• Battle anti-tobacco legislation, such as the approach to taxation of premium cigars and pipe tobaccos
• Protect the rights of tobacco shop owners and their customers

This website is your portal for protecting the rights of the retail tobacconists and our customers. Please use this site to submit donations, contact the organization, and our legislators. Your support is critical in the successful accomplishment of the goals listed above!