The Importance of Gentlemen’s Clubs to the Tobacco Community

Whatever happened to the days of yore? In those days, cigar smoke was popular, and gentlemen could be gentlemen. In almost every old movie, the main characters would smoke either cigars or cigarettes. 

Often, those characters are seen as confident and sophisticated.

There is something nostalgic about watching those movies. These days, cigars and cigarettes are being banned from establishments.Sometimes the establishments choose this action; other times,

Sometimes the establishments choose this action; other times, local government chooses this action. There are still some places where one can go to feel like an old-time gentleman, though.

There are still some places where one can go to feel like an old-time gentleman, though.

Gentlemen’s clubs have existed for a long time. According to Mary Ann Sullivan, prominent British figures, such as Johnathan Swift and Alexander Pope, visited gentlemen’s clubs (1).

While at these clubs, these prominent figures smoked tobacco and enjoyed fine dining. Also, these figures would converse with each other and share their intellectual views (1). Gentlemen’s clubs became popular amongst politicians, too. To this day, many gentlemen’s clubs exist overseas.

In the United States, however, finding a gentlemen’s club is difficult, especially for less affluent individuals. While smoking used to be allowed in all bars and other social spots, smoking is now prohibited from many of these places.

New York City, while often seen as a bastion of modern philosophy, contains quite a few gentlemen’s clubs.

Charlie Freeman extols the quality New York City’s Cigar Inn, stating,
“Located just six blocks down from the Queensboro Bridge, Cigar Inn is arguably the city’s most popular cigar spot, featuring a walk-in humidor that hosts one of New York’s largest and most diverse cigar selections. From 10am to 4pm, the space remains calm and quiet, with respectful older patrons and plenty of room. From 5pm until closing, Cigar Inn is usually packed with a younger, hipper crowd, house music, and high-energy atmosphere to match. They have a reasonable corking fee and one can freely order outside food at any time. Cigar Inn combines all elements of cigar culture under one enormous roof and makes the cigar-smoking experience affordable for anyone who’s interested (1).”

The fact that Queens is home to a hip, modern gentlemen’s club is amazing. More amazing is the fact that it is inclusive.
While many older people may think that Millennials may not appreciate the previous generations’ cool demeanor, they do.

This respect of previous generations is the reason that Millennials are flocking to cigar clubs. While these clubs may be modernized- they differ from older gentlemen’s clubs by allowing women and minorities- they continue the cool traditions that our progenitors left us.

Freeman, Charlie. “NYC’s Top 10 Cigar Bars: The Original Gentlemen’s Clubs.” The Culture Trip. Web, 27 Apr. 2016.  http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/new-york/articles/nycs-top-10-cigar-bars-the-original-gentlemens-clubs/

Sullivan, Mary. “NINETEENTH CENTURY GENTLEMAN’S CLUBS.” Bluffton. Web, 27 Apr. 2016. https://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/england/london/clubsintro/intro.html