Thirty-six boutique, handmade cigar manufacturers from 16 states have teamed up with the Cigar Rights of America to form the Coalition of American Cigar Rollers, a new organization that plans to advocate against regulations that threaten their businesses.

The formation of the new coalition was inspired by an article that appeared on this website called 50 Factories In The U.S. That Still Make Cigars. The group plans to brief state governors and local lawmakers on the negative consequences that strict FDA regulations will have on smaller handmade cigar manufacturers. Additionally, the coalition will engages their customers to join the fight against federal regulation of premium cigars.

The group will be led by two national co-chairs: Danny Difabio, owner of the Rodriguez Cigar Factory in Key West, Florida, and Sandy Cobas, owner of El Titan de Bronze cigars in Miami, Florida.

“I hope that we can do our part to bring attention to the impact these regulations will have on women- and minority-owned businesses,” said Cobas in a press release. “Each of us in this coalition are small, family-owned businesses. To confront the paperwork, expense, and time of these regulations is simply too much for many in this industry. We will each do our part to carry that message.”

Many well-known brands are rolled at El Titan de Bronze, including La Colmena from Warped Cigars, Hererra Estelí Miami, Cornelius & Anthony, and La Palina’s Goldie, Mr. Sam and Family Series lines.

“This is an important new step. The Cigar Aficionado story brought national attention to our very presence, and the skilled artisans that we each employ. The cigars produced in our small factories are among the best in the world, and made in America,” said Difabio. “That’s our message to the President’s Administration, Congress, our governors, and customers throughout the nation. We just want to continue this art form that has been passed down from generation to generation.”

The coalition will continue to add members as outreach continues. If you’d like to add your business, contact Patrick Carr of the Cigar Rights of America via email at patrick.carr@cigarrights.org.