Mobile cigar lounges are a unique and growing trend in the world of premium cigars. These mobile lounges, often set up in customized buses, trailers, or other vehicles, bring the cigar experience directly to your location—whether it’s a wedding, a special event, or a gathering of friends. But with the convenience of having a lounge on the go, many cigar enthusiasts wonder, is it okay to bring your own cigar to a mobile cigar lounge?
The short answer is: It depends on the lounge and its policies. While some mobile cigar lounges may welcome guests to bring their own cigars, others might have specific rules or fees associated with outside cigars. In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about bringing your own cigar to a mobile cigar lounge, the etiquette involved, and the benefits of supporting the lounge’s cigar selection.
Understanding Mobile Cigar Lounge Policies
Just like traditional brick-and-mortar cigar lounges, mobile cigar lounges have different policies regarding outside cigars. It’s essential to understand that a mobile cigar lounge is still a business with operating costs, and allowing outside cigars could impact its ability to function smoothly.
Here are the most common policies you may encounter:
- Bring Your Own Cigar (BYOC) Allowed
Many mobile cigar lounges have a flexible policy when it comes to outside cigars. These lounges often operate on a more laid-back, event-focused basis, which means they might allow guests to bring their own cigars. This is especially true for private events where guests may have specific cigar preferences or want to share rare cigars with others.However, even if a mobile cigar lounge allows outside cigars, they may require you to purchase other items, such as drinks or a space rental fee. It’s always a good idea to check the event’s specific guidelines before assuming that bringing your own cigar is a given. - You Must Purchase Cigars from the Lounge
Some mobile cigar lounges may have a policy that requires patrons to purchase cigars from their own selection. This is especially common for mobile lounges that focus on curating a high-quality, themed selection of cigars that complement the event’s atmosphere. By purchasing cigars from the lounge, you’re supporting the business and ensuring they can continue offering their specialized services. - Corkage Fee for Outside Cigars
In some cases, mobile cigar lounges may allow you to bring your own cigars but charge a corkage fee. This fee helps to cover the cost of maintaining the cigar-friendly environment, including humidification, smoking space, and other amenities. The fee can vary based on the lounge and the event, but it’s a good compromise that allows you to enjoy your own cigars while still supporting the mobile lounge.
Mobile Cigar Lounge Etiquette
If you’re bringing your own cigar to a mobile cigar lounge, it’s important to follow proper etiquette to ensure that everyone has a great experience. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Respect the Lounge’s Setup and Staff
Mobile cigar lounges have limited space and a carefully curated experience. If you’re allowed to bring your own cigar, make sure to respect the setup and the staff who are there to facilitate the experience. Ask if there are designated spaces for your cigars and follow any instructions on how to store them. - Support the Lounge’s Other Offerings
Even if you bring your own cigar, it’s courteous to support the lounge by purchasing drinks or other services they may offer. After all, the mobile lounge is likely providing a unique experience, and purchasing from their selection helps ensure they can continue offering their services at future events. - Be Mindful of the Environment
Since mobile cigar lounges are typically confined to a smaller area, be mindful of how much smoke your cigar produces. If you’re smoking a particularly strong or aromatic cigar, check with the staff to make sure it won’t be disruptive to others in the lounge. Some mobile lounges might have specific areas or ventilation systems to manage smoke, so it’s always good to ask. - Don’t Overcrowd the Space
Space in a mobile lounge can be tight, and the staff might need to maintain a certain number of cigars in the space to avoid overcrowding. If you’re bringing your own cigars, make sure you’re not taking up too much room in the humidor or causing congestion in the lounge.
Why It’s Important to Support the Lounge’s Cigar Selection
While it can be tempting to bring your favorite cigar to a mobile lounge, there are several reasons why it’s important to support the lounge’s selection of cigars:
- Supporting Local Business
Mobile cigar lounges often depend on cigar sales to fund their operation. By purchasing cigars from them, you’re helping to support their business model and ensuring that they can continue offering the same great experience at future events. - Expert Recommendations
Mobile cigar lounges often have knowledgeable staff who can offer recommendations based on your personal taste preferences. While your own cigar might be something you love, you might miss out on discovering a new favorite if you don’t explore the lounge’s options. Staff recommendations can open your palate to new experiences. - Event-Specific Selections
Some mobile cigar lounges curate a selection based on the event they’re servicing. For example, cigars might be chosen to complement a particular theme, such as a wedding, anniversary, or corporate event. By purchasing cigars from the lounge, you’re ensuring that the cigar experience fits perfectly with the occasion.
Conclusion
So, is it okay to bring your own cigar to a mobile cigar lounge? In most cases, it depends on the lounge’s policy. While some mobile lounges will allow you to bring your own cigar, others may require you to purchase cigars from their selection or charge a corkage fee for outside cigars. It’s always a good idea to check the lounge’s specific rules ahead of time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Regardless of whether you bring your own cigar or purchase one from the lounge, remember to be respectful of the lounge’s space, support the business, and follow the etiquette guidelines. By doing so, you can enjoy a great cigar in a unique setting and contribute to the success of the mobile cigar lounge.
