Cigar Store and Lounge Etiquette: Don't Be That Guy

For most, the following cigar etiquette rules go without saying. We frequent cigar stores and lounges to relax and indulge, enjoy the camaraderie, and become a valued part of the smoking community. But others—some maybe blissfully unaware—make their presence known in the least endearing of ways. From mooching cigars, to smoking cigarettes, cigar elitism and more, we’re here to help you identify if you’re part of the pack—or part of the problem.

These unwritten ‘rules’ exist out of respect for others—social guidance cues to help each of us fit in. And it’s worth noting that cigar lounges weren’t always as lax as they are today. Swanky, stick-up-the-ass joints with a jacket policy were once common. Even though lots of places have their own rules to follow that may differ from these here and there, try not to sweat it like the bylaws of some self-important head of an HOA. The idea here is to fly below the radar. So don’t sweat it—just don’t be THESE guys.

Check out the biggest cigar store and lounge etiquette offenders:

The ‘Can I bum one off of you?’ guy...

We all know this character. The Moocher never seems to bring their own cigars—and sometimes even their own lighter and cutter—but they always manage to weasel them out of the good-natured folk who’d give up the goods rather than watch someone squirm. And ‘squirm’ is the key word here. Worming your way into someone else’s stash is generally frowned upon. Forgetting your sticks and cigar accessories on occasion is one thing, but making a habit of leaving your cigars at home and shopping from another guy’s stash instead just earns you a bad rap.

Instead: Bring your own cigars, cutter, and lighter. If you forget, and someone is nice enough to hook you up, return the favor next time. Better yet, offer to pay for the cigar someone gives you in good faith.

Mr. ‘I brought my own cigars.’...

Everybody knows a Cheapskate. They enjoy the amenities of the cigar lounge—comfortable seating, climate control, entertainment, and facilities—without ever making a purchase. While some say that you shouldn’t bring any cigars from home, I think it’s more reasonable to at least buy one. Some lounges enforce a cutting fee to smoke outside cigars.

Instead: If you’re smoking in a cigar lounge, purchase from their humidor and follow the cutting fee policy if there is one (if you do, they’ll likely look the other way on the cutting fee), and remember, cigar lounges are businesses that need support to stay open.

Did he just lick his cigar?!...

You ever see that guy who licks his cigar before cutting and lighting it? I swear…every lounge has someone like that. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big proponent of minding my own business. You do you, buddy. But it becomes my—and everyone else’s—business when you slather the house cutter with your slobber. Of all the cigar etiquette rules to follow, this may be the most important. It’s not just gross, it spreads germs, viruses, and other nastiness. Don’t do it. Ever.

Instead: If you’re using the cigar lounge’s house cutter, cut your stick before it goes anywhere near your mouth. If you’ve accidentally put it in your mouth before cutting, evolution gifted you with a thumb nail for a reason.

The smelly chainsmoker...

We cigar smokers are an inclusive bunch. And to be honest, we tend to look the other way when someone lights up their Winston in the lounge. But when you sit there chain smoking your pack all night, you’re cruising for some side eye. Here’s why: Cigarettes stink. Literally. While cigars have subjectively pleasant aromas, cigarettes emit objectively foul odors. Unlike cigars, they have hundreds of added chemicals that make them more addictive, burn easier, and so on. Lighting up a cigarette in a cigar lounge here and there probably won’t get you much flak, but you should really take them outside.

Instead: Respect that cigar lounges are for cigars. If you need a cigarette, step outside. If you can’t, don’t chain smoke and try to keep your distance from other cigar enthusiasts so as not to ruin their experience.

They call him ‘Tony Two Times’ because he’ll tell you everything twice...

Some folks love to hear themselves talk. You’ve seen ‘em hovering around. Always butting into a conversation they weren’t part of, talking over folks, starting conversations with people otherwise occupied, etc. The key here is reading the room. Wait to be invited to conversations. See someone reading or donning ear buds? Leave them be. Cigar lounges are social spaces, but that doesn’t mean there are no social boundaries. Plenty of leaf lovers love to talk. Seek them out when you’re in chatty mood.

Instead: I’ll say it again. Read the room. Some smokers come to the lounge to socialize. Others for quiet contemplation. Respect others' personal space and right to enjoy their cigar in peace.

No one like a cigar snob...

You know their mantra: “I only smoke ____________!” Fill in Opus, Padron, Cohiba, Davidoff—any of the highbrow brands work here. The cigar lounge Elitist looks down upon the everyman smoking his $5 or $10 cigar because they’re “cheap.” It’s the same guy who pays above retail on a Rolex for clout. He drives a BMW and you’re in HIS lane. Joking aside, most don’t necessarily fall into these extremes, but the fact is, no one cares about what you paid for the cigar; they care about how the cigar they paid for tastes. And whether it was $3 or $30, it makes no difference. There’s room for everyone at the table.

But the elitism doesn’t end with brand bragging. Sometimes it’s just someone who’s a know-it-all. They’ll use insider jargon to make others feel inadequate and act as though their palate is superior. Regardless of what kind they are, elitists forget that cigar enjoyment is subjective and personal.

Instead: Share knowledge when asked but remember that everyone has different preferences. Be encouraging to newcomers and respect that a $5 cigar can bring someone just as much joy as your bougie super premium.