Cigars face extinction in Britain by 2026

[handlebarpipe]

Financial Times headline news states that cigars face extinction in Britain by 2026.
What are your thoughts?
Marc

[JoeyGunz]

Despite the long-term decline, there are two cigar markets that are showing signs of life. Sales of premium cigars, which are often handmade and left to age like whisky, are mounting a minor comeback at the swankier end of the market, according to Nic Barker, a cigar consultant with J.J. Fox, a tobacconists in west London.

Catering to this trend, exclusive hotels are increasingly providing cigar smokers with so-called Cosas – Comfortable Outdoor Smoking Areas. The Ritz Hotel opened an indoor cigar room two years ago, next to its casino.

I think we're going to be okay!

[mattyhall22]

I didn't realise how much the market had dropped! (well according to FT figures), I thought it was a growing hobby.

I wonder if the number of cigars sold has dropped as people are swapping from the mass market European cigars (hamlet etc) to larger hand made ones? Quality rather than quantity?

[mattyhall22]

How does and establishment sort out making and indoor smoking room?

[Simon Bolivar]

The percentage of voting smokers will keep dropping & the less consideration we'll get. I don't think they'll ever ban it completely, they'll just ban more & more places where you can smoke. I imagine in 50yrs very few people wil smoke but the number of drug users will go up; mostly on the social use side but inevitably more hard core users will arise too.

[PeeJay]

Are we bothered?

[Simon Bolivar]

They have plenty in Belgium Matty, one of the few benefits of living there is the only time I smoke out in the cold, is when I am fishing.
The word is though some politicians with nothing better to do are pushing to close these, starting in Germany, which is currently very cigar friendly. If Germany goes, Belgium will surely follow. As no one else is bothered by the smoke except those inside the smoking room, so why are they so worked up about it? Kiljoys is the only logical answer.

[Simon Bolivar]

I'll just be retiring then Peejay, hope I can still enjoy a stogie outside of my our garage/garden, whilst my supply lasts.

[Maxsi]

The only threat to premium cigars before 2026 would be the US becoming pally with Cuba.

I don't think its rocket science that during a recession that luxury products take a hit.

[tippexx]

I think we're going to be okay!

And Scots BOTL in or around Aberdeen should be alright! http://aberdeen.stv.tv/articles/2570...nd-craft-beer/

[mattyhall22]

And Scots BOTL in or around Aberdeen should be alright! http://aberdeen.stv.tv/articles/2570...nd-craft-beer/

That places looks great, shame its so far away

[Stevieboy]

Finally... Somewhere nearer to me!

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

[butternutsquashpie]

Well if that's true...... Then one good thing will happen:
liquidation of J.J. Fox's humidors!

mmmmmm.. seems like a good opportunity to get a box of 1890's H Upmanns

[Simon Bolivar]

Not too far for some of us Cheers Arf, much apprecaited. I'll keep my eye on this place & will be the first to report once it starts allowing smoking there. Interesting to see if I can bring my own or have to smoke theirs & how outragous their prices will be. Everything from Stella to taxis & hotels are dearer than in London these days.

[Agricola]

I think it's a case of less people buying machine made cigars from shops in the U.K but the purchase of premium hand rolled cigars increasing. Also many people purchase from abroad to avoid the tax placed upon tobacco in the U.K, are those numbers counted?
As said already the outrageous tax and long lines of killjoys with nothing else to do but tie smokers to the whipping post are pushing cigar smoking underground.
One day they will no doubt try to ban having fun altogether in this country unless you purchase a license from the government, permitting you to enjoy yourself for one day a week! As long as the activity is condoned by the Cabinet and properly supervised!