As we reach the halfway point of 2025, Cigar Rights of America (CRA) remains fully engaged across the country, working to defend the rights of premium cigar consumers, retailers, and manufacturers. Over the past six months, we’ve monitored and responded to more than 90 state-level bills that could impact the premium cigar industry. From tax proposals to flavor bans and expanding smoking restrictions, the first half of the year has only reinforced the need for active, sustained advocacy at every level of government.

Fighting for Tax Fairness

Supporting the fight for cigar tax caps continues to be one of CRA’s top legislative priorities. These caps help ensure that premium cigars are treated fairly and not lumped into tax structures designed for entirely different products. In the first half of the year, CRA supported new tax cap legislation in Nebraska, Colorado, Louisiana, New York and Virginia. Louisiana serves as a success story, as Governor Jeff Landry recently signed a $0.50 tax cap into law.

At the same time, we’re pushing back against states looking to go in the opposite direction. In Delaware, CRA is actively opposing HB 215, which would raise the tax on premium cigars from 30% to 45% of the wholesale price. We’ve also seen similar tax hikes emerging in Massachusetts and New York as well as a host of other states.

Protecting Cigar Lounges and Smoking Spaces

Efforts to expand smoking bans continued to surface throughout the first half of the year. States like Connecticut, Florida, and Maryland have led the charge, attempting to close off venues—both public and private—where adults can enjoy premium cigars. In response, CRA has been working to defend cigar lounges and retail shops and even private homes from being swept up in broad indoor and outdoor smoking restrictions.

We’ve also backed legislation aimed at creating or preserving cigar-specific exemptions. In Wisconsin, CRA testified in support of AB 211, a bill that would allow new cigar bars to open and permit on-site smoking, reversing restrictive provisions in the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act.

Stopping Nicotine-Free Generation Policies

One of the most concerning trends of 2025 is the spread of Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) policies, which prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after a certain year—regardless of their legal age. First implemented in Brookline, Massachusetts, these generational bans have now been adopted in at least 16 municipalities across the state. NFG policies have also been proposed in places like Hawaii, Tennessee, and Indiana.

CRA strongly opposes these proposals. These policies not only undermine personal freedom, but also threaten the long-term viability of the premium cigar market. We’re keeping close watch as similar efforts begin to take shape in other jurisdictions and are prepared to respond swiftly.

Addressing Flavor Ban Overreach

This year has also seen renewed efforts to enact flavor bans that, whether by design or oversight, risk banning premium cigars based on subjective tasting notes. In both Oregon and Washington, legislative proposals threatened to outlaw cigars described as having natural flavor profiles—regardless of whether any flavoring was actually added.

Additionally, we have especially been focused on California’s implementation of AB 3218 and the development of the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL). This process is not only costly, but could force companies to reduce product availability in the state, limiting consumer choice and harming retailers.

Looking Ahead

As of July, eight state legislatures remain in session—California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—and we expect more proposals to emerge in the second half of the year. CRA’s strategy moving forward remains focused on early engagement, targeted advocacy, and strong coalition building.

Whether the challenge is an excessive tax proposal, an overbroad flavor ban, or a misguided generational prohibition, CRA will continue to lead the charge in defending the integrity of the premium cigar category. With the continued support of our members, retail partners, and industry stakeholders, we’re well-positioned to meet whatever comes next.

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