Weekly News (Nov. 10, 2025)

Cigar Page to Open World’s Largest Cigar Store in 2026

There’s a battle brewing in Bethlehem, Pa.—and beyond—when it comes to the retail segment of the cigar industry. Cigar Page, which had been an online-only retailer known for pretty steep discounts, is getting into the brick-and-mortar side of the business in a big way next year, with claims it will be the world’s largest cigar store. It’s opening in the backyard of Cigars International, which sells more cigars than other retailer. It will be fascinating to see if this new venture affects Cigar Page’s online reputation, as well as what it bodes for the next chapter of cigar retailing.

Denver Voters Keep Flavored Tobacco Ban in Place

Flavored tobacco bans have been on my short list of regulatory challenges facing the cigar industry for a little while now, and while many people complain about legislators passing such bans, it was the voters of Denver who cemented the ban passed by the city council in December 2024, doing so with more than 70 percent supporting it. Much like the Tobacco 21 movement from several years ago, I expect to see more of these bans in 2026 as legislators and voters shift their opinion not just about using tobacco, but allowing others to do so.

Cigar News

Regulations

International

State

Local

• Detroit Airport’s Proposed Cigar Lounge Stirs Deeper Debate — via MichiganChronicle.com
• San Jose, Calif. Approves 45-Day Moratorium on New Tobacco Shops Opening, Can Extend Up to Two Years — via SiliconValley.com
• San Marcos, Calif. Strengthens Fines for Underage Tobacco Sales — via TheCoastNews.com
• Wayne County (Mich.) Commission Votes Against Cigar Lounge Plan at Detroit Airport — via WRIF.com

Reviews

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the G-League’s Valley Suns. I was previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League, and Goodyear Ballpark, spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I’m a voiceover artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.