Nope, it was the scent of cigars, Nicaraguan CAO cigars - gold, Criollo and anniversary blends - wafting in the air as about 100 guys and gals sat back and enjoyed a good smoke. Admitting he was probably going to smell less than great by the end of the evening, thanks to the growing cloud of smoke in the room, Welch said he had a plan that would keep his smell-sensitive household happy when he got home. The menu included Louisiana gumbo, pork ribs and jambalaya, mixed along the way with...

The state s smoking ban does not apply to tobacco retailers whose primary business comes from the sale of tobacco products and accessories. The state s smoking ban does not apply to tobacco retailers whose primary business comes from the sale of tobacco products and accessories. But owner Dave Williams expects profits to spike once the state's smoking ban is enforced in February and prohibits restaurants and bars from offering patrons cigars. The new law defines smoking as the "act of...

At 77 cents per pack, Wisconsin's current cigarette tax ranks below the national average and below Illinois' 98-cent tax. Although the tax, combined with the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act - a proposal for a statewide smoking ban - is designed to fund anti-smoking initiatives and reduce smoking rates, especially among teens, retailers don't see that happening, and Phelps said Philip Morris believes there are better ways to do that. Although the tax, combined with the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act...

State agricultural officials estimate about 159,000 acres of the crop are still being grown. Although tobacco is not as pervasive as it once was here in North Carolina fields, it's still a crop with a significant economic impact in the state. Although lawmakers killed the smoking bill this session, the fact that it lost so narrowly is another example of the way the influence of tobacco is waning in this state. And in North Carolina, even with talk of banning smoking in certain places, that...

But while there is general satisfaction about the progress being made and that the Policy Councils approach is correct, ministers will still have to convince the public. Thats very much in line with our desire to protect those on low and fixed incomes and that our policy is not regressive, but tries wherever possible to be progressive. There is no way people will do cartwheels down the street because of the switch from corporate to individual tax. Historically, because of corporate taxes...