The answer: No… and Yes. Huh?
The other day I watched a college Bowl Game in my local cigar lounge. There was a new guy there who came with a regular customer. When the game was over and he left, the shop owner was livid. This guy brought and smoked 3 of his own cigars without purchasing a single smoke from the store.
Now, did the owner have a right to be mad? Hell yes.
Would you go to the ambiance of a really nice restaurant and bring your own sandwiches? Would you sit at the bar and bring your own six pack? The answers are obvious. So why in the name of our Lord and savior would anyone believe it’s perfectly okay to bring their own cigars into a lounge without purchasing any? It’s actually kind of ludicrous don’t you think? Actually, it’s pretty damned nervy and just downright foolish.
The shop owner runs a small business and every cent from every sale counts and counts big time. He’s there to not only serve the needs of the clientele, but he’s also there so he can make money, which in turn pays his staff and feeds his family, pays the mortgage and all of his bills. I know, you get it. But some people don’t, much like the guy in my shop this past weekend.
I go to a lot of different cigar shops in various states and unfortunately, this happens all the time. And for the most part, the owners don’t say much of anything and in my opinion they really should. I think it’s perfectly fine for him to ask people to purchase a cigar if they bring their own, I don’t see anything wrong with that whatsoever! It’s his shop, his rules and customers need to abide by it.
What If They Buy Cigars, Can They Smoke Their Own?
Hmmmm… so let me get this straight. You’re asking if that as long as a person buys cigars from the shop it’s okay if they bring their own cigars to smoke? My personal answer is: YES! And I believe it’s yes for “most” shop owners. Okay, I do know of only a few where it’s still not okay, where you have to smoke the cigars you buy. But I’ve always felt that as long as you spend money in the store, that you can smoke cigars you bring. And let me clarify it by saying you should buy as many as you smoke, meaning if you smoke two, you should buy two. I just think it’s fair. And one more thing – I would ask the owner or shop employee it this is all okay to do.
You know what? I may not be a shop owner, by I get how this is supposed to work. It’s only fair that if you’re going to hang out in a shop or a lounge that you really must buy product from there. Wondering what you think about this and I’d love to hear your thoughts below the article.
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I own two cigar lounges in CT. I’ve had many customers come through the door and smoke their own cigar. That said, the majority have always been up front and asked if they could. And only after they would buy an equivalent number to the ones they planned on smoking. The patrons who expected to do it without a purchase were informed they would be charged a $10 cutting fee per, or asked to leave if they refused either option.
I couldn’t agree more, Luis…
Good for you! I’ve seen “No Outside Cigars” signs posted in some lounges, which is an excellent idea. I also hate when people come into lounges, and smoke cigarettes….😡
I always buy cigars at the lounge I’m visiting. However, if I buy them, and don’t smoke them all but return the next day. I smoke the ones I bought in that shop. I buy bundles and put them in my $100 a year locker at my favorite shop. So, then I smoke those too. Yes, support the shop with business. I agree that using a shop and smoking sticks you bring that we’re not purchased there is wrong.
Well said, John.
I agree don’t bring a cigar if you going to a cigar shop, if so buy one or consume any drink if the sale any.
Yep
Unless there is some sort of membership fee to pay to use the lounge I would definitely buy my smokes there.
Right on, Doc!
I absolutely agree. I always buy from my lounge when I’m there. I am a paid member and I get upset when people come in and don’t buy. Luckily the owner of the lounge has no issue saying anything. Very tacky!
ABSOLUTELY TOTALLY AGREE! On occassion, not often, I have walked into lounges with a half smoked stick in my mouth. But, I ALWAYS buy AT LEAST 2 sticks, if not more, while I’m there. And if I’m watching a couple of games, I’m good for 4+ house sticks.
Be courteous, and considerate to the lounge owner. It’s the least we can do for the relaxation, and good conversation, we get in return….