An adapted reading of some of the cigar etiquette rules written by Zino Davidoff in 1967:
(N.B. Of course, the rules are not binding. For some people, attention to others often takes a backseat to ego satisfaction. But at the end of the day, it's good manners that set us apart in society, right?)
1. Don't Bring in Outside Cigars
Don't bring outside cigars in with you - local brick and mortar shops depend on cigar sales to stay in business. Bringing cigars from home or another shop, takes advantage of amenities without giving anything back.
2. Don't Stub Out the Cigar
Don't stub out a cigar when you are finished - this is probably one of the first rules expressed to the cigar smoking public and it is still relevant today. When you are done with your cigar, just lay it down in the ashtray and let it go out by itself. Smashing the nub like a cigarette is just vulgar and can release unpleasant odors.
3. Stay Out of the Humidor!
Don't smoke inside an enclosed humidor - A tobacconist's humidor should be a carefully controlled atmosphere.
4. Leave His Cigar Alone
Never light another man's cigar -l the cutting and lighting of a cigar should be done personally.
5. Don't Stick it Up Your Nose
When choosing a cigar at a shop, don't stick it up your nose - that's inconsiderate of others if you put it back down. You can get the aroma from the foot of a cigar by placing it a half inch from your nose.
6. Stop Trash Talking
Trash talking cigars - everyone's taste in cigars is different. Smoke what you enjoy and don't compare your cigar to what others are smoking. Also, if you are a cigar representative, tell me what's great about your cigar, not why someone else's cigar is inferior to yours.
7. Keep the Cutter Sanitary
Don't use another's cutter if the cap has been in your mouth.
8. Don't Take Freebies and Disappear
Many cigar shop events include food and drink supplied to customers as a thank you for their business. Don't show up just for the freebies and leave. Take advantage of the event discounts and support the shop owners by picking up some cigars.
9. If you are gifted a cigar, return the gesture: gift one from your collection. Such a gentlemanly gesture has long been an unwritten rule between us.
