De La Concha (New York) on Cuban Cigars

[TommyBB]

The tobacconist at De La Concha in New York has weighed in on smoking Cuban cigars, especially in his establishment.

CW News entry for today

[H311oLHD]

Wow, he actually kicks people out that are smoking CC's? I would just ask them to remove the band and to please understand that it would be appreciated if you didn't bring any more cubans into the store and politely explain why.

[Smoker06]

Interesting story, Tommy. I'm not so sure of the declining quality of Cuban cigars. I'd like to think of it as narrowing the gap due to the improved qualities of non-Cuban cigars.

As far a kicking people out of his store, I'm okay with him doing that. His point on smoking cigars, that weren't purchased in his store, in his store is a good one.

Since I only use one B&M shop, I try to follow this rule of thumb. The cigar that's in my mouth when I arrive, may not be from that store. But all the other cigars I smoke there and the cigar that's in my mouth when I leave the store will be from that store. I figure that's the least I can do for my local guy.

[The JD]

If I'm ever going to bring my own stogie to smoke to a cigar shop, I make sure I at least purchase a few from the store. It's just common courtesy, IMHO. However, if a B&M doesn't want people bringing in their own cigars, I have no problems respecting their decesion. I just probably won't go to that cigar shop anymore. That's what's nice about Milwaukee, we got a lot of cigar shops and I've already "boycotted" 3 cigars shops (Same owner, same rules) because they don't allow carry-in's, even if I'm not carrying in my own cigars.

Oh, and I'd never keep the label on a CC if I smoke it in public.

[TommyBB]

Originally Posted by Smoker06

Interesting story, Tommy. I'm not so sure of the declining quality of Cuban cigars. I'd like to think of it as narrowing the gap due to the improved qualities of non-Cuban cigars.

As far a kicking people out of his store, I'm okay with him doing that. His point on smoking cigars, that weren't purchased in his store, in his store is a good one.

Since I only use one B&M shop, I try to follow this rule of thumb. The cigar that's in my mouth when I arrive, may not be from that store. But all the other cigars I smoke there and the cigar that's in my mouth when I leave the store will be from that store. I figure that's the least I can do for my local guy.

Frank, your first comment is fair. But is this guy's opinion a reflection of that, or simply a means to an end?

[EdT]

The store manager, I think, is being reasonable. If a fine could cost you thousands of dollars, would you be willing to take the risk?

[H311oLHD]

I dont think he's being totally unreasonable, but I think he should take a different approach before kicking out patrons. He may do that though, but it sounds like he doesnt. I sometimes bring in a cigar to a shop, but I always make it a point to buy at least two. I do this when I go to Cigar King a lot.

-Aaron

[monteman]

I work 3 blocks from de la Concha and I used to spend a lot of time in the shop before I turned to the dark side. I can tell you that Ron is a class gentleman and the staff at de la Concha always treated me and customers fairly. YMMV

[K_Duffer]

I'm always amazed to see people walk into my B&M store with a whole zip lock bag full of cigars to smoke them in the smoking room. This happens at least once or twice a month. I mean, do you go into McDonalds with a Burger King meal to eat it there?

[Cabaiguan]

George at De La Concha is a great guy. He doesn't charge his customers extra for the use of his tables and chairs...unlike other establishments in the City. It's only fair that you purchase a cigar from him while you enjoy HIS shop.

I have smoked other cigars there besides those bought from his store, but I always buy one or two before partaking from the one's in my pocket.

The answer to the no Cuban cigars...take the band off.