“The Federal Government put me out of business.” The message was clear from Rome Zaffaroni, the owner of the Annapolis Cigar Company. The lower Main Street staple has closed and is in the process of liquidating their inventory and fixtures.
With nearly 35% of his business from the 18-21 demographic, and an amendment to the Federal law raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21, the business was just not sustainable. The amendment was signed by President Trump in December 2019 and goes into effect later this spring. Last year, Maryland raised the age to 21, but exempted active duty military from the requirement.
“Go figure, you can go to war and fight, you can make decisions for other people, but you can’t make a decision for yourself,” said Zaffaroni in a phone call this afternoon.
What is left of the stock is at 35% off but the hours are hit or miss and it is “slim pickings.” Zaffaroni did say that the shop would be open this Friday and Saturday to take advantage of the increased traffic over the weekend.
