Pipe Versus RYO Tobacco

Pipe Versus RYO Tobacco

The Pipe Tobacco Council, a trade organization of pipe tobacco manufacturers, has responded to the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) previously published request for comments to distinguish between pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco for federal excise tax purposes based on the physical characteristics of the two tobacco products. The deadline for [...]

West Virginia: RYO Machines Violate Law

West Virginia: RYO Machines Violate Law

The West Virginia Department of Revenue has issued Administrative Notice No. 10-26,  which rules that allowing customers to use roll-your-own cigarette machines inside retail stores is now considered to be the illegal manufacturing and selling of unstamped cigarettes, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. The notice went on to call large RYO machines [...]

NATO Responds to FDA’s Proposed Training Program

NATO Responds to FDA’s Proposed Training Program

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) has responded to the FDA’s proposed guidance on tobacco retail training programs. Under the FDA law, retailers are not required to train employees on how to prevent the sale of regulated tobacco products to minors. However, if tobacco products are sold to a minor, the retailer will be [...]

PACT Act Confusion

PACT Act Confusion

The federal Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) goes into effect today, June 29, 2010. PACT Act is set to regulate the sale of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco sold over the Internet or by mail order to consumers. But, one provision of the PACT Act has caused some confusion, according to the [...]

PACT Act Receives Final Rule

PACT Act Receives Final Rule

On Friday, June 4, the U.S. Postal Service issued the Final Rule to implement the provisions of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act prohibiting the mailing of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco in the continental U.S., the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. Once the Final Rule goes into effect on June 29, [...]

Targeting Casual Smokers

Targeting Casual Smokers

A new class of products is emerging to satisfy the needs of social tobacco users. So many thoughts that capture my mind are worthy of being written about. Some incite our emotions (like the recent attack on Terry Gallagher of Smoker Friendly who accepted the position as coach of the Boulder High School girls varsity [...]

FDA Republishes June 22 Tobacco Regulations

FDA Republishes June 22 Tobacco Regulations

The FDA Center for Tobacco Products has republished a rule, which becomes effective June 22, 2010, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. As of June 22 the rule will impose certain restrictions on the sale, distribution, advertising and marketing of cigarettes, rolling tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The regulations in this rule do not [...]

NATO Sets Date, Location For Show

NATO Sets Date, Location For Show

In time for its 10th anniversary, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) is launching its inaugural NATO Show at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas next spring. The dates for the first NATO Show are April 12-14, 2011. The NATO show will feature educational seminars for retailers, the NATO Annual Awards Dinner, along with evening [...]

NATO Trade Show Draws More Support

NATO Trade Show Draws More Support

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) continues to receive commitments from member companies to exhibit at the association’s inaugural trade show to be held in Las Vegas in 2011. The most recent companies to commit to exhibiting are Nat Sherman, New Image Global, Smokey Mountain Chew, Zander- Greg and K. K. International Corp, NATO [...]

Initial Injunction Against NYC Flavored Ban Denied

Initial Injunction Against NYC Flavored Ban Denied

The U.S. Federal District Court denied a request by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Manufacturing Company and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands for a preliminary injunction against a recently enacted New York City ordinance that bans the sale of virtually all flavored tobacco products except in “tobacco bars,” the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. The USST [...]

All in the Family

All in the Family

In these difficult economic times it’s rewarding to meet successful businesses that are doing things the right way. It’s even more gratifying when these businesses are family owned and operated. Such is the case with High’s of Baltimore. There aren’t too many 82-year-old companies in this industry that I’m not familiar with, but I admit [...]

NATO Trade Show Gains Support

NATO Trade Show Gains Support

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported that key manufacturers have formally committed to its 2011 trade show and conference in Las Vegas. Supporters currently include Altadis USA, Swisher International, Swedish Match, Republic Tobacco, National Tobacco Co., King Maker Marketing, Smoker Friendly International and Zippo Lighter Co. During NATO’s annual awards dinner last month, [...]

Major Companies Commit To NATO Trade Show

Major Companies Commit To NATO Trade Show

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported that key manufacturers have already committed to its recently announced 2011 spring trade show in Las Vegas, including Altadis USA, Swisher International, Swedish Match, Republic Tobacco and National Tobacco Co. Additionally, NATO reported that Arango Cigar Company, Carolina Tobacco, Dom Rey Cigar, Inc./Cusano Cigars, Drew Estate, Harold [...]

House Passes PACT Act

House Passes PACT Act

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the PACT Act (Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act) on a vote of 387-25.  “A significant amount of work has gone into getting this bill passed by both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House, and I extend a special thank you to all NATO members for their assistance [...]

NATO Urges Retailers To Fight For PACT Act Passage

NATO Urges Retailers To Fight For PACT Act Passage

As the PACT (Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking) Act moves to the House after passage in the Senate, for a final vote, NATO is urging retailers to take action. Because the Senate version of the bill is slightly different than the House version, the U.S. House of Representatives must vote on the bill again before it [...]