Do you mind paying a cutting fee?

[BagfullofPings]

If I am a regular, no way in hell.

Other than that, there are too many variables IMO.

One last thing. I've never seen a successful B&M charge a clipping fees. Usually a clipping fee is charged by flakes who shouldn't be in business anyway.

 

[AlohaStyle]

My closest B&M / Lounge is actually on an Indian Reservation and the lounge is upstairs from a bingo hall & casino. They have a full bar and restaurant up in the nice cigar lounge and bringing your own cigars is the norm for the regulars. They do not have to charge tax since they are on an Indian Reservation so we all buy cigars there too so we don't have to feel obligated to buy every single time we are there as long as we are at least buying food/drinks and tipping.

Point is, the cigar lounge does not rely on their income alone as they make bank on the bingo hall and slot machines so it's a win-win for everyone. They are happy to move some cigars and they make a lot of money on drinks and food. They don't need to charge cutting fees or expect people to buy every single time.

 

[Fia]

I wouldnt mind given either the option of buying something from the lounge or paying a cutting fee. That sounds fair. I was at a place one time that would only allow you to smoke the exact cigar you purchased. I bought a PAM principe to smoke in the lounge and noticed a sign on the table about only smoking what you purchase. I asked if I had brought my own cigar but still bought one from them would the care about that? They said yes and it has to be the cigar I purchased. Didnt make sense to me but its their business and they have the right to run it that way.

 

[SlipperyPete]

Depending on the situation....

If it is a cigar shop with a lounge, then i would make a purchase to support the local, and i don't mean a $1.00 stick. I would buy 4-5 sticks, one to sit and smoke. Then, after that should i decide to smoke one of my own, i would not expect to be charged. Yes it would annoy me to have to pay in that situation. If I did not buy anything in the shop, then yes i would be fine with paying a cut fee. However, i probably woulld never walk in a shop with a lounge and not buy anything.

If it is a lounge/cigar bar... I would generally bring my own, and would not mind paying a cut fee. Unless, I buy a few fingers of scotches (usually 3 drinks) and something to eat. Chances are, at that point I have already spent between $50-$60, and think paying a cut fee is insulting.

Perhaps I am a bit cynical, but i have a local that charges about $700 a year for membership, plus you have to spend so much in the retail shop a month to be a member. Although if a member you can bring in your own cigars aside from what you have to buy.
I think it is ridiculous.

 

[WARDOGG]

The lounge I usually go too charges a cutting fee ($5-$10 I think) for non regulars. The reason is that they've had issues in the past where people will come in with their own cigars and not buy anything else. If they do it's usually just water, which the lounge usually doesn't charge for. They did say that if the guy buys alcoholic drinks that they'll waive the cutting fee.

However, if you're a regular who spends money in the store, whether it's on cigars or alcohol, they don't charge a fee.

I think it's ok if they charge a fee. The lounge is a great place to smoke and socialize but it's also a business and they have to run it as such. I usually buy from a B&M anyway so it never really affects me.

 

[Thegreekone]

I have a locker and almost always smoke CCs or cigars they don't have. If I want to buy something, I ask them first, THEN I go elsewhere, whether it be online or on here. Since I pay a monthly fee, I don't feel guilty about smoking my stash, especially if it's something they don't have.

 

[Docbp87]

I don't often smoke in lounges, but when I have it has always been something I have just bought there. Just respect the shop.

 

[darkman]

I try to buy a cigar at every shop I go to. Even if i dont plan on smoking that particular stick. I believe in supporting the cause, so if im gonna spend the cash might as well have a stick to show for it.

 

[GoingPostal]

I don't see a problem with a cutting fee, it is tough out there for B&M with all the internet sites. I always buy something when i walk into a shop but if i bring something from home to smoke i wouldn't mind paying a cutting fee but i'd rather buy a couple sticks to help them out.

 

[Fourtotheflush]

I always picke up at least one more than I smoke.

But yeah, dont want to pay $10 to trim a cigar especially if I am supporting the business.

 

[podman28]

I couldn't imagine walking into a shop or lounge, settle in and smoke my own cigars while enjoying the ammenities they pay to provide. I always make a purchase or two and check with management to make sure it is ok to smoke something else. At the Leaf we really don't care what you smoke as long as you support the place. BOTL members are welcome guests reguardless but that really hasn't seemed to be an issue in my experience.

 

[icehog3]

I usually smoke my own, but I always buy a good amount from the place first. The places I frequent most often know me, and tell me I don't need to buy anything, but I would never do that....they are in business, and I try to help keep them there.

I have been to a couple new places lately that charge (it is a cover charge to use the lounge rather than a strict "cutting fee"). If I am asked to pay a cover, I don't feel obligated to buy cigars unless there is something there I want to try.

So my answers would be #1 and #3 in the poll.

 

[keinreis]

I have never smoked my own at a b&m. One lounge that is real close has nothing but so so smokes, and I have been tempted, but couldn't go thru with it. Also thought about the locker thing Danilo mentioned, but again, the shop owner is also a customer of mine, so I wouldn't feel right.

 

[Cigar Cowboy]

At a B&M, I just buy there. At a cigar bar, yes I would mind the fee. If I am paying for drinks/food, I should be able to smoke in their establishment without having to pay a fee.

The only thing about cigar bars that even makes it more important to buy there is most cities require more sales in cigars than booze. That is the norm. So I will almost always buy there. I want to support any place that lets me smoke.

 

[Doogie]

I always buy atleast one, If i don't i'll have a couple of drinks. either way i'm spending $$

 

[Angry Bill]

Personally, everytime I go to a shop/lounge, I purchase at least 2 cigars. It is bad form not to support them. They are in business which provides a service. I have no problem if a shop has a private lounge and requires a membership, or if you bring your own cigar and they charge you a cutting fee if you won't buy something.

But if I have to pay a cutting fee ontop of buying the cigars from them, I have a problem.

 

[Fitze55]

Akin to a corkage fee at a resturant I have no problem paying. Eventhough, with or without a cutting fee I typically will buy something even if I bring my own.

 

[RustySmoke]

I am OK with a fee, but I usually try to buy something from the shop... I want to support the local shop because I enjoy the lounge atmosphere and dont want to see them fold.

Many shops in my area are starting a membership fee. If I choose to pay the membership fee somewhere I am not going to feel as obligated to buy something there..

 

[La Chupacabra]

I have no issues with it. All of the cigar bare around here will wave any fees if you buy some while you are there.

In Mass, cigar bars have to keep a 51/49 % 51 I. Favor of cigars so I want to keep them open. Even for the ciggy smokers they ask them to buy a pack.

Everything in my area of MA is BYOB, with that said I would always buy a cigar even if I smoke one I brought. It's just good manners.

 

[Burning Man]

A nominal fee is reasonable if you are not buying anything. If you've had a couple of drinks or if you are a regular you may have the fee waived. I had some regulars at the bar that came in at least three times a week and had at least one if not two bottles of wine. When they came in one day with their own bottle no one even suggested charging them corkage.:cbig: