somm - selective by choice banner ad

Governor Lombardo of Nevada Signs Tax Cap Bill During PCA

July 19, 2023 By Matthew Tabacco

While the premium cigar industry was conducting business during the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) convention and trade show held just over a week ago in Las Vegas, a few Nevada cigar shop owners had to slip out to a cigar shop. It was important. The Governor was there.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and tax cap legislative sponsor Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts conducted a ceremonial bill signing at the Cigar Box, just off the Las Vegas strip. With a group of local shops that advocated for the tax measure, the Governor affixed his signature to A.B. 232, enacting the fifty-cent tax cap.

The bill passed the 2023 session with seven minutes left before adjournment, as the Nevada Senate passed the cigar tax cap bill on an 18-3 vote following a 35-7 victory in the Nevada Assembly.

Local shop owner Michael Frey and Nevada lobbyist Mike Sullivan of The Ferraro Group, who assisted efforts in the capitol, attended the ceremony, along with local tobacconists: Jason Samuelson (Cigar Box); Michael Abdoulah and Shar Broumand (En Fuego); Melvin and Michelle Runles (Tap N Ash Social Club); and Brad Mark (Smok Cigar Lounge). Not pictured, but part of the effort, were Joel Schwartz (Trendsetters Marketing); Giuseppe Bravo (Eight Lounge); and Peter Guzman, President of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce.

These shops and others throughout Nevada are the charter members of the new Nevada Premium Cigar Association.

Related Posts

Spare Notes Series #73: New and Exciting Releases So Far!

June 7, 2025 By Matthew Tabacco
On this episode of the Spare Notes Series, Matt, Pat and Coop talk about the more exciting of the newest releases for 2025 so far and talk about some very early predictions. Read more

The Smokin Tabacco Show: Tariffs and Price Increases

June 7, 2025 By Matthew Tabacco
Check out the latest episode of the Smokin Tabacco Show with Matt and Pat discussing the fallout from the tariffs currently put in place. Read more