Cigar Protocol

jeffpodraza

avengethis

Proper etiquette is to buy a cigar while you are there. You can smoke your own and save your newly purchased one for a later date but it is good practice to support the business you are using.

jd50ae

Not sure what you mean by waste your own. It is similar if you go to a cigar bar (if your lucky enough to live near one). You should always buy one of theirs. The few times I have stopped and smoked at a B&M or a cigar bar there was always a cigar for sale that I have not seen elsewhere, or have wanted to try but was never able to. I think that a place that allows us to smoke, maybe have a drink or conversation in comfortable surroundings is worth the added expense. And who knows, you may find a new favorite.

phishstyx

If they serve liquor, is it ok to bring your own and just get drinks? I am a good tipper.

jeffpodraza

Hence what my original said, I agree to support the local shop, and most of the time Im completely fine with that, but want to make sure I have a chance to smoke my own inventory. I the guy that buys a soda when I stop at a gas station to use their bathroom. I would most likely buy something, lighter, spare cutter, food or drink (depending on the I liked the drink analogy. Appreciate the input. Jeff

Hays

ShadowInTheMoon

If anything just call the place and ask if they have any restrictions. I would always buy a cigar to show support but each place is different. it wont hurt calling or stopping in and asking

kuzi16

rsherman24

I don't go to B&M's that often, but when I do I always buy the cigars I am going to smoke from them. I guess if I was paying B&M prices for singles or could not smoke at home I might have a different opinion. The ones you have at home won't go bad if you store them properly.

Echambers

I have two lounges I go to once in a while. The first one is small with a crappy section. I always bring my own there but buy a couple of drinks and tip well. The other one has an amazing selection, all well maintained so I tend to buy something there to smoke and end up taking some home too. This one is a. Pulls if hours from my house so I tend not to drink much there. Hope this helps some.

The Kid

jeffpodraza

Mission Pipe is on there is also Los Gatos Cigar and Habana Vieja i Santana Row in San Jose. You guys are all great in the suggestions and I like the idea of being able to pay for drinks and smoke my if possible sometimes or buy there. Im glad to see that some have the option. Happy Holiday and maybe we will run into each other one day at a shop!

D Fresh

Just for reference, the bar I frequent allows you to bring your own but may charge a cut or light fee (not sure how much) Generally it's best practice to buy one there. I'm sure they would be fine allowing me to bring my own to smoke and purchasing one to take home. I'm fortunate that this place doesn't gouge too much and is generally only $1-2 over msrp.

Lee.mcglynn

For me it's a tad different...every now and again I buy the guys lunch and I also give them Xmas presents aka cash. Really they don't care what I do plus I'm good with the big bosses at the place. But if you don't contribute buy but bring and smoke

90+ Irishman

I always bring my own smokes and drinks, but I always pick up one or two singles when I go to say thanks for using the space. Best to just ask how they feel about bringing your own.

Toombes

I fell into a huge argument about this just recently. Like most of the guys have mentioned, it's only right that you should buy one or two from the shop. If you're a regular and friendly with the staff, you may be able to fudge on this a bit. If you're the "new guy", I'd ask the owner what his policy is. Remember, these people run the business as a means of income and rely on us to put the stock back on the shelves. Personally, I buy a smoke from the shop for every one of my own that I light up.

jd50ae

Bob Luken

Retircs1

jeffpodraza:

First off Happy Holidays All!! I have a question, What is the etiquette for bringing in your own cigar to a cigar shop? Here is my situation, I started my cigar smoking about a year ago. My wife tolerates the occasional cigar, but I agreed not to smoke near the kids, or at the house (in or out). I have bought a cigars while traveling to Hawaii. I share with friends that are gracious enough to open their back yard (fire pit, bourbon and a cigar is heaven) Now with winter coming (even in Cali) my question is , will a cigar shop allow me to smoke my own there (I personally think i should buy there, but don't want to waste what I have). Is it different if the server drinks, food etc... Thanks in advance everyone (still a newbie, but getting better). Jeff

Your in san Jose Ca about 70 miles from me and many of Cigar shops in the area West Coast Cigar in in San Jose. Los Gatos Cigar Club and depending how far you willing to go many lounges/club/ bars in California. bring your own cigar is not look down on but you will be charaged a cutting/clipping fee at most places which is waved when you buy a stick from them. or become a member of the club. California has grand fathered Cigar shops and lounges to smoke inside. But when I travel I look in the areas where I am at to see what cigar places are there. Now when I went to Palm Springs one cigar shop/ wine lounge would not allow me to smoke a cigar I had without paying a surcharge and I bought cigars and wine there. I told him I will take my wine and you can stick your charge sir.