Tobacco Amendments H.B. 245
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Jefferson S. Burton
Utah has long been one of the most restrictive states when it comes to tobacco and alcohol. Fortunately, Representative Jefferson S. Burton has introduced a bill that could significantly ease the burden on cigar enthusiasts by reducing taxation and lifting shipping restrictions on cigars.
Currently, Utah imposes an 86% tax on cigar purchases with no price cap. Additionally, residents are prohibited from shipping cigars in or out of the state. H.B. 245 aims to change that.
Key Benefits of H.B. 245
- Legalized Remote Sales of Cigars and Pipe Tobacco
Under the proposed amendment, Part 9. Remote Sales of Cigar and Pipe Tobacco Licensing and Taxation Act, Section 5, 59-14-903 would be enacted, allowing remote sales of cigars and pipe tobacco.
Currently, Utah law (Utah Code Section 76-10-104) prohibits the sale of tobacco products by mail, phone, or online. This restriction has prevented cigar aficionados from purchasing cigars online and receiving shipments in the state. It has also barred local cigar shops from shipping cigars to customers outside of Utah.
If this bill passes, cigar lovers will finally be able to order cigars online, by phone, or through other remote methods—just like in most other states.
- A 50-Cent Tax Cap per Cigar
Another major advantage of H.B. 245 is the introduction of a 50-cent cap on cigar taxes.
The bill amends Section 59-14-102 to state that a cigar will be taxed at the lesser of:
- 86% of the manufacturer’s sales price, or
- A maximum of 50 cents per cigar
Currently, Utah’s 86% tax makes cigar purchases unnecessarily expensive. For example:
- A box of 10 cigars priced at $10 each currently costs $186 after tax ($100 + 86% tax).
- Under H.B. 245, the same box would cost just $105 (with a 50-cent tax per cigar instead of 86%).
This tax reform would make cigar purchases far more affordable for enthusiasts across the state.
A Step in the Right Direction
While Utah still bans cigar lounges under the Clean Air Act, the passage of this bill would be a significant victory for cigar smokers. Perhaps in the future, we can push for exemptions that allow lounges where enthusiasts can gather and enjoy their cigars together.
How You Can Help
If you support H.B. 245, make your voice heard! Contact your representatives and encourage them to pass this bill:
📍 Utah House of Representatives
350 North State, Suite 350
P.O. Box 145030
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
📞 (801) 538-1408
🔗 https://house.utleg.gov
📍 Utah State Senate
350 North State, Suite 320
P.O. Box 145115
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
📞 (801) 538-1408
🔗 https://senate.utah.gov
Let’s take a stand for cigar rights in Utah!
View the Bill Click Here
I’m John Cardenas, also known as Johnny Havana in the cigar industry. What I love about being involved with Cigar Public is that I have the opportunity to learn and share the stories of those in the cigar industry. I’ve formed lifelong relationships over a cigar and conversations. I’m committed to providing honest reviews of cigars and sharing my experiences with you. @JohnnyHavana
