cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

So, there's a small smoking room at a smoke shop I go to and in this cold weather would be nice to use from time to time. I have a question on etiquette however. Is it okay to bring a smoke to smoke with you as long as you pick up a stick from them while there, or should you purchase the stick your gonna smoke while at the shop?
Thanks
-john

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

My local B&M has a policy posted on the counter: "You are welcome to smoke here if you buy here"

I can't imagine anyone having an issue if you buy a stick, walk over to the table and fire up some other stick. Most of the time no one is even going to notice that.

My place is kinda big, so its easy to wander around and away from the employees, and there is more than one area to sit and smoke.

Gotta use your judgment but if they allow smoking, I would always make a purchase if I was going to sit and smoke there.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Common Courtesy to support the B&M Lounge.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Good question. Most shops have their own guide lines on what they want and expect. Speaking only for myself I would pick up a couple of stick from them, but have what I want to smoke with me.:tu Most (not all) B&M's are notorious for being over humidified because of the constant going in and out of the customers, and the doors opening and closing, new stock just have come in,....etc.

So I would purchase and let them know what I was doing and why as nicely as possible---and get there approval. I want the B&M I go to; to stay in business and be around in the future.:tu

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Kevin, that's EXACTLY why I asked. Humidity. Would like a cigar that's rested a bit. Even bought from them, rested and brought back. Lol. Your recommendation seems quite reasonable.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Buy atleast one stick. Sometimes I will come in with a lit stick and buy the second one, or buy the first one and light my own for the second. If you are a 'regular' and buy from them often, particularly 5'ers or boxes, the more you go the less the issue. :tu

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Where do you go in SW OH?

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

The Wharf in Beavercreek. About 12 minutes from my house.


My wife went in the other day for the first time. And probably last time :)

They have a couple birds living in the shop, I have NO idea how they survive that smoke!


The Wharf


:ss

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Haha, I go through The Wharf at least once a month on account visits. I'm actually planning on going on Wednesday for a few hours to help them work the shop and hand out some cigars. I'll be there from about 11am-2pm on Wednesday. Stop by if you can, first cigar is on me.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I always buy when I go to smoke at a B&M. But I rarely smoke NCs, so I bring my own cigars to smoke. I gift the ones I buy to friends or to the Troops.

I will not frequent a B&M that has a policy against bringing in my own cigars. I don't flaunt the cigars I bring, nor do I tell people outside my group what I am smoking. I figure they can have me spend $20 or more and let me smoke what I want, or they can not get my (nor my friends') money. I know not everyone agrees with my thoughts on this, but that is how I feel. Doesn't make me right, that's just what I feel is reasonable.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

:tpd:

There are some shops that expressly state they do not allow you to smoke something not purchased there. But I'm with Tom in how I handle this. One local B&M we occasionally meet at has a beer/wine bar and we patronize the establishement by spending quite a bit of $$$ at the bar. The owner has no problem with us bringing our own cigars to smoke. (Note: We also share a stick or two with him.)

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Good point, Peter...at one of my favorite B&Ms, Cigar King in Skokie, IL, the staff always gets a cigar or two in their breast pockets when I leave. :tu

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

The few times I've smoked in my local B&M, I bought what I smoked right before lighting up. Usually had a few others I bought too, but took them home. I have sat in there and seen guys come in from outside and go straight to a seat and pull out a stick they brought in a light up. Never buying anything. I'm pretty sure at least 2 of the guys I saw do this were regulars though. They were conversing with the owner a good bit on first name basis.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Perhaps they make box purchases, and then bring in cigars they bought theit earlier to smoke, David?

I would never think of smoking at a B&M without spending some cash there.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Probably so

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Hope so, anyway. :)

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

wait,...what?:confused:





;)

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Hahahah, that video is just great! And just to clarify I never meant go and purchase nothing and smoke in there store. Hense the bring one, and buy. They are running a business and one that's probably gotten quite tough lately at that.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

That's really how it has worked out before. Ha Ha I always support the shop I will be smoking at.

Darn Tom I know you been waiting to pull that one out again.:r:r

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I didn't think that is what you meant at all, you seem like a good BOTL to me. :tu

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Yes, they are in the business to sell cigars and cigar accessories. It depends on how often you go there, how busy they are, and your relationship with them.

One of the best things a B&M can have, is people in the store! He would be foolish to turn away people regardless of where they bought a cigar. If you are to bring you own, just buy something or leave $5 for a pack of matches... In the end, he made his money and you got your cigars.

If they are insistent on only smoking their cigars, I think they have some bigger issues to deal with at their B&M. Never turn away a potential customer in a dying industry. I could be smoking my cigar and realize I need a new humidor, talked me into a box of cigars... As long as their in the store, they have an opportunity to sell and that should not be forsaken by any smart B&M owner. Too many B&M owners get caught up with the trivial and miss the big picture.

Local laws may be the only exception.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Good advice here. Just be fair and considerate of the shop owners and all will be fine :)

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Thanks for the offer, but sadly thats about the worst day and time for me. Will either be finishing up work or already on my way to Columbus around then.

Now just about any other Wednesday and we're cool. But this one should be my last day of getting all that Christmas jewelry done and delivered!

:)

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

The ones I have been a regular at have never cared about what I smoke. However, I always make sure I purchase cigars from them as soon as I get in. I would think most B&Ms will follow that route.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

We have one local joint around here that is not very open to smoking outside sticks. They have a "If you didn't buy it here, don't smoke it here" sign up. We have stopped going there. Our new hangout is open to any type of smokes, and in return we all give him the courtesy of buying something from him when we head in. He actually has lockers inside that people can fill with whatever they want for a very low yearly rental fee of $100.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

To be honest, I don't buy that much at the shop where I am a member. I pay $700 yearly membership fee that includes use of a locker. I have bought a few bundles of their house stuff to send to a friend of mine in Iraq, and I am using their roller at my wedding reception next year. But I don't buy from them every time I am in - usually once or twice a week. I smoke my own cigars that I keep in my locker.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

:tpd:

The few times I've visited my local B&M they see my 5ct in hand. I usually just buy at the counter first, make small talk and then off to a comfy spot. They are there to make $$ which is fine for me as it provides a warm place to smoke.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I simply ask someone in charge. They are running a business, and I intend to support it. If you share your dilemma in that way with the owner, and ask him what would constitute "support" for him, you won't question what he expects, and I bet you will have his respect as well.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I guess common courtesy would dictate buying something at the B&M and then going from there. If the policy is not stated explicitly just ask whoever is in charge. :2

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I will always buy a cigar if I plan on smoking in the establishment. One B&M I frequent has an amazing lounge with comfortable furniture numerous TV's and just an amazing atmosphere. Of course, they are considerably more expensive then the other local B&M's. Even though I could probably save money by buying online and smoking elsewhere, I still think the atmosphere makes it worth it. Now I may not purchase boxes from them, but I have no problem overpaying for a few sticks and enjoying their store. I even drag my wife in there and make her smoke with me.

Plus, at home, I always grab CC's. When I'm out at the B&M, it's almost an opportunity to try something new.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I can't add much that hasn't already been said (what's new?)

But, I can rant in an etiquette thread, right?


There are two shops close to me that are very well stocked and have comfortable smoking areas. Both have bar areas.

One shop has no policy against bringing your own cigars.The other one does.


I almost never buy an NC that retails for over $6, and I never drink alcohol. I still wind up spending $20 or more every time I go in. And, I always tip if I drink coffee.


In these tough economic times, care to guess who gets my $20?

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

:tpd:

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Most people say you should buy something, but I usually don't in my case. My B&M excises a membership fee to use the lounge, so I consider that my 'purchase.' I pay to smoke there, so that's enough to me.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Hmmm...wonder what joint that is?? Shorty...:r:r:r

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

That's a whole different story if the B&M charges a hefty membership fee, IMHO.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

We don't have the privledge of smoking at a B&M in Canada however, I've always enjoyed going to a B&M in the US.

I always make sure to find out who the owner/manager is and introduce myself and hand him a cigar. I am not that knowledgable in NCs so I ask for their assistance and find them to be very helpful.

The most I've ever spent at B&M was at Casa Fuente. That magical combination of great mojitos, good ambience and smoking hot waitresses (that are actually very nice to talk to) is killer. Didn't buy a stick though. Cocktails were another story. LOL

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Indeed. Kind of bunk in a way, but I do labor in place of the charge.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I would also consider renting a Locker from a shop a "Membership fee".

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Normally I don't smoke something I just purchased at a B&M. I find I enjoy new purchases after they have rested in my humidor for at least a couple of weeks. There is a couple of B&M's I go to that have smoking lounges and when I visit these businesses, I purchase several sticks and then go into the lounge and light one I have brought with me. No one has ever said anything negative to me about doing this.

I was asked once, "Are you enjoying your cigar?" And I said, "Yes, thank you."

Of course the exception to this is when a cigar event is being held. Then I feel obligated to smoke what they are promoting.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

the lounge at my local b+m is at ground level + downstairs. The humidor is upstairs. The staff downstairs doesnt know what i buy upstairs. If the b+m doesnt carry the cigar that you are smoking take the band off

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Where at in Koln? The only place I have found there(although I admit I have not spent much time there) is the Davidoff place close to the Dom.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

No matter the policy, I think it's only common courtesy NOT to bring in outside purchases. My local B&M has a policy and I abide by it happily.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

Opinions vary. I can bring in what I want to smoke, 6 of my friends, and the owner will make $150 in sales. I have friends who work in and own in B&Ms, who have a policy allowing outside cigars, and that's all the encouragement I need.


Or I can just not go to a B&M. And the B&M won't make $150.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

All the places I have been in have a policy of "bring what you want but buy something" Now I dont go around abusing that policy like some people who buy a two dollar stick and then turn around and spend the next five hours burning four $20 dollar sticks.

The last place I went to I actually got chewed out by the store owner for "bringing in outside sticks" when I actually bought those sticks at his shop. Needless to say I no longer frequent that place.

The way I see it is, if I support the place by buying there or smoking what I bought there, the B&M owner has no right to dictate what I smoke there. I don't frequent places where this is not the policy.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I generally buy at least one or two sticks each time I visit a B&M even if I have some outside cigars I prefer to smoke.

Re: cigar shop lounge etiquette?
 

I disagree that he has no right to dictate, it's his place....but I have the right not to go there, which is what I would choose to do. :2