Cigar Lounge Etiquette: Are You Part of the Problem?

Don’t Be That Guy…

Most cigar smokers already know the basics of proper cigar lounge etiquette. We show up to unwind, swap stories, and enjoy good company over a tasty smoke. But every cigar shop and lounge has a few regulars who, whether they realize it or not, break the unspoken rules—bumming sticks, lighting up cigarettes indoors, acting like they invented the humidor, etc. Consider this your friendly gut-check on proper lounge behavior, so you know whether you’re one of the good ones…or one of the guys everyone quietly complains about. And if you’re the latter, we’ll show you how to fix it, too.

None of these cigar etiquette tips are official rules. But they are common courtesy, the kind of thing that keeps a shared smoking space enjoyable for everyone. It’s worth remembering that lounges used to be a lot stuffier than they are now, back when a sport coat was basically a cover charge. Some lounges still have their own house rules, and that’s fine—you don’t need to treat them like gospel. Just keep a low profile, be considerate, and steer clear of becoming one of these cigar lounge etiquette offenders.

The Bum: Cigar Mooching Etiquette

You know the type—shows up empty-handed and somehow always leaves with a cigar, a light, and a cut, courtesy of someone else’s stash. Forgetting your sticks or accessories once in a while happens to everyone. Making a habit of mooching cigars is a different story, and it’ll earn you a bad reputation at any lounge fast.

Do this instead: 

Bring your own cigars, cutter, and lighter. If a fellow smoker bails you out, pay it forward next time. Better yet, offer to cover what they gave you.

The Freeloader: Supporting Your Local Cigar Shop

This guy loves the leather chairs, the AC, the TV, and every other amenity the lounge offers, but never actually buys anything. Instead, he shows up with cigars from home. Cigar lounges aren’t charities; they’re small businesses, and plenty forgo cutting fees in the name of inclusion.

Do this instead: 

Buy something when you visit. 100% of the time. No exceptions. Your local smoking space only exists because people support it.

The Licker: Cigar Cutter Hygiene

Somehow, every lounge has one—the guy who runs his tongue over a cigar before slicing it with the house cutter. Far be it from me to tell anyone what to do with their cigar, but once your saliva ends up on shared accessories, it becomes everyone’s problem. It’s unsanitary, plain and simple.

Do this instead: 

Cut your cigar before any part of it touches your lips. If it happens by accident, that’s what fingernails are for.

The Chain Smoker: Cigarettes vs. Cigars in the Lounge

Cigar smokers tend to be pretty relaxed about the occasional cigarette. But chain-smoking them all night is a different situation. Cigarettes emit a harsh odor due to their added chemicals.

Do this instead: 

Save the cigarettes for outside. Cigar lounges are for cigars.

The Talker: Reading the Room at a Cigar Lounge

Every lounge has someone who can’t read a room—jumping into conversations uninvited, bringing up politics, talking over people, chatting up someone clearly trying to read a book…the list goes on. Cigar lounges are social spaces, sure, but that doesn’t mean every smoker wants company all the time.

Do this instead: 

Take a look around first. Some people come to connect, others to unwind quietly. Treat them accordingly. If someone looks busy, respect their peace.

The Snob: Avoid Cigar Elitism

This is the guy who only smokes the “right” brands and looks down—often vocally—on anyone puffing an affordable stick. He’ll toss around insider jargon to make newcomers feel small, forgetting that great cigars come from every budget level.

Do this instead: 

Share what you know when someone asks but stay humble. Welcome newcomers instead of talking down to them. There’s room at the table for smokers of every stripe. Unless you’re outright asked whether you like a specific cigar, it’s best to keep opinions to yourself.

Now go forth…and don’t be that guy!