Join the Mobile Cigar Lounge at the Tampa Outback Pro-Am

One of Tampa's most popular events, the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am will be held at the TPC Tampa Bay, April 17-19. The Mobile Cigar Lounge company is a premiere partner for the second year and will have the MCL set-up and open to the public on the 16th hole. As well look for our Cigarista cigar servers throughout the course, offering premium cigars for sale. Come out this weekend and support our local community and catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrities.

The Pro-Am tournament has raised over 3 million dollars in he past five years for local Tampa Bay charities. This year celebrities include Bill Murray, Derrick Brooks, Michael J. Fox, Joe Theismann, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, George Lopez, Mark Walberg, Stone Phillips, Ronde’ Barber, Jim Courier, Nancy Lopez and Vinny Testaverde.

See you there!

Huge Cigar Tax in Full Effect

As the cigar industry braces for the fall out from the 700% tax increase on large cigars,
Many believe the effects from this increase could be devastating. The tax hike will not only effect retailers in the US but rollers, tobacco growers and manufactures throughout the Caribbean. As of yesterday the tax on large cigars will increase from 5 cents a cigar to 40 cents. Florida’s $2 billion cigar industry will no doubt be threatened, where 75% of the nation's cigar makers and distributors are based. Add in the dilapidated economy and our cigar industry may be on its last cinders.

So where is all this tax money headed? The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that will help 11 million low-income children. SCHIP has good intentions but like many government programs is flawed. So who do we tax, there has to be other ways to keep the program afloat. And what of the far reaching consequences, when a cigar manufacturer in Dominican Republic lays off employees and goes out of business? Who’s helping their children?

After a quick glance through numerous message boards, it seems cigar aficionados will continue to support the industry and keep on smoking, viewing the tax as a small way they can help. Let’s hope so. Cigars have never been a culprit; if anything they represent goodwill, celebration and appreciation for the finer moments in life.