Ask Ron Melendi how it’s going and he’ll ask you back, “With what?” 

“That legislative thing you’re working on,” you say. 

“Which one,” he asks, “the smoking ban extension… the flavored tobacco ban… or the signage issue in New York City… or the cigar tax issue in Albany?”

As head of the New York (State) Tobacconist Association, Melendi has his hands full dealing with city and state issues.  His other job is running De La Concha, a cigar store at 1390 Avenue of the Americas in New York City.

“I don’t know how we’d deal with all these city and state issues if we weren’t organized as a state association with support from all the major industry players like the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association, Cigar Association of America, Cigar Rights of America, and several manufacturers. We’ve got around 50 members of the association now but sure could use help from other retailers in the state.  I know they’re rooting for us, but they need to get into the game before the clock runs out,” he said.

Melendi said it appears that they’re making progress on securing a state $1 tax cap on premium cigars.  Two bills have been presented – one in the Senate and one in the Assembly – and the CAA is submitting an economic impact study that supports the $1 tax cap concept. 

“We’ll have to wait until after the elections to see how this turns out,” he said. “We’ve gotten indications of support for our cause from (gubernatorial candidate Andrew) Cuomo and the State Senate looks to be picking up some six seats which will create a better balance of power between the Senate and the Assembly.  How important is that?  Without it, the Democrats will likely redistrict the state and the Republicans will be out of power for another 25 years.  I don’t care what your politics are, we need to be at least a two party state or every small business – including tobacconists – will pack up and move somewhere else.”

On the flavored tobacco front, the Association is working with the New York City Council to get cigar stores officially exempted from the ban.  Melendi is hopeful this will happen early next year.

Perhaps the most publicly visible issue Melendi’s group is currently addressing is the attempt in New York City to extend the smoking ban to include parks, beaches and outdoor plazas.

A recent hearing on the proposal drew written testimony delivered in person by Joe Rowe, executive director of the IPCPR; Glynn Loope, Executive Director of the CRA, and Melendi.  The city’s representatives were grilled by audience members who challenged virtually all of their self-styled justifications for the ban extension.  Several comprises were offered but are not expected to hold up.

Instead, Melendi and his group are meeting Tuesday, October 26 with the sponsor of the original bill in an attempt to hammer out a more realistic compromise.  Regardless, expectations are that at least one or two more hearings will be held before a vote is taken in City Council, compromise or not.

“That vote could take place yet this year.  Meanwhile, we look forward to continued support from IPCPR, CAA, CRA and manufacturers,” Melendi said, “and fully expect to see our membership continue to grow to encompass all New York State retailers.”

To see the testimony of industry executives, please click as follows:

Joe Rowe

Glynn Loope

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