Tobacconist

Definition and Products

  • A tobacconist, also known as a tobacco shop or smoke shop, sells tobacco products and related accessories.
  • They offer various forms of tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco.
  • Tobacconists also sell accessories like pipes, lighters, and matches.
  • Some specialized retailers provide additional items like ashtrays, humidors, and cigar cutters.
  • Books and magazines related to tobacco are commonly available in tobacco shops.

Traditional Representations

  • In the United States, a wooden Indian statue is often positioned near a tobacconist shop.
  • Supermarkets have become the main sellers of common cigarette brands.
  • In the United Kingdom, small corner shops often combine a newsagent with confectionery and tobacco sales.
  • France and Spain have licensed shops called Tabacs that sell tobacco products, newspapers, and other items.
  • Some tobacco shops in the US also sell vaping supplies and may double as head shops.

Specialist Tobacconists

  • Specialist tobacconists are knowledgeable about different tobacco forms, colors, scents, textures, and tastes.
  • They provide information and guidance to customers regarding tobacco products.
  • The decline in the tobacco industry has led to a scarcity of tobacconists, but many smokers still prefer buying from them.
  • Standard tobacco shops in the US specialize in cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, and pipe tobacco.
  • More upscale tobacco shops focus on cigars and pipe tobacco, often having a walk-in humidor and smoking lounge.

Regulations and Restrictions

  • Some tobacco shop owners in the US have concerns about FDA regulations for electronic cigarettes.
  • The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act restricts marketing to minors and prohibits flavored cigarettes.
  • Descriptions like light, mild, and low-tar are removed from cigarette packs, and warning labels on smokeless tobacco are larger.
  • In the US, anyone under the age of 19 is not allowed entry to self-service tobacco shops, even with an adult.
  • Strong tobacco control laws in some countries may limit the trade of tobacconists.

Uses in Art and Advocacy

  • The Museum of London features an exhibit called 'The Tobacconist, Victorian Walk' recreating late 19th-century shops.
  • The presence of tabacs in France is considered essential to life, even for non-smokers.
  • Advocates in the US argue for the removal of tobacco from pharmacies due to health risks and contradictions with selling smoking cessation products.
  • FDA regulations for e-cigarettes could potentially close tobacco shops.
  • The impact of FDA regulations on tobacco shops was felt in Cullman, Alabama.

Tobacconist Data Sources

Reference URL
Glossary https://www.alternix.com/blogs/glossary-of-terms/tobacconist
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacconist
Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16406
Knowledge Graph https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/02vq03f