cigar shop lounge etiquette?

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by strider

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.

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

[mosesbotbol]

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.

[68TriShield]

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

[Eleven]

Originally Posted by BengalMan

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.

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!

[Blueface]

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.

[icantbejon]

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.

[PeteSB75]

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.

[Mugen910]

Originally Posted by icehog3

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.

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.

[pds]

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.

[Mr. Ed]

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.

[Footbag]

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.

[tedrodgerscpa]

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?

[Doctorossi]

Originally Posted by icehog3

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

[Snake Hips]

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.

[kelmac07]

Originally Posted by icantbejon

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.

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

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Snake Hips

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.

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

[maverickdrinker]

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

[Snake Hips]

Originally Posted by icehog3

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

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

[ScottieM]

Originally Posted by icehog3

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

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

[macpappy]

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.