Cigar Restrictions Could Cripple Forks Business

Jeff Brown sits in his office and smokes a cigar, discussing its mystique and impact on American culture.

The chief operating officer and certified master tobacconist at in looks like he doesn't have a care in the world, puffing away as he discusses a cigar's qualities.

But businesses that sells cigars might be coming under fire, according to a story in the Express-Times.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering regulations on cigars, which may include banning certain flavors, requiring health warnings, limiting sizes and the amount of nicotine and imposing restrictions on the marketing and sales of cigars, the story states.

At the next door, Brown says that most cigar business comes through the catalog on the Internet.

In a recent interview with Patch.com, Brown talked about the mystique involving cigar smokers.

"We're not fat cat millionaires," he said. "People smoke them on their porch, while cutting their grass or even playing golf."

Customers also just don't spend "$100s of dollars worth of cigars," he said. "Others just like to buy some for $20."

Brown discussed the health benefits of cigars, saying they aren't as bad healthwise as most people suspect.

He also stated that cigars help take people back to another time, a more relaxed time.

"A cigar gives you a chance to sit down and communicate," Brown said. "No one does that anymore."