Oppose Delaware HB 215: Major Tax Hike on Premium Cigars

House Bill No.  215 would raise the other‑tobacco products (OTP) tax on premium cigars from 30 % to 45 % of wholesale price.

Why it matters

  • Cripples small businesses. Delaware’s brick‑and‑mortar tobacconists already operate on slim margins. A 15‑point tax hike will wipe out profits, cut payrolls, and force some doors to close.
  • Pushes sales across state lines. Neighboring Pennsylvania imposes 0 % tax on premium cigars; Maryland caps its rate at 15 %. HB 215 could hand your customers to out‑of‑state competitors.
  • Reduces—not raises—revenue. History shows steep OTP hikes drive shoppers elsewhere, shrinking the tax base and undermining the very revenues proponents claim to seek.
  • Hurts tourism & community investment. Cigar lounges and specialty shops anchor main streets, sponsor local events, and draw visitors. HB 215 jeopardizes those contributions.

Immediate call to action

Contact your lawmakers today. Urge them to vote NO on HB 215. (See template letter below and PCA Action Center link.)

  • Call key committee members. The bill could be heard in the House Revenue & Finance Committee as early as next week. Phone numbers are listed at the end of this alert.
  • Share this alert. Forward to staff, customers, and industry partners. The broader the chorus, the stronger the impact.
  • Testify if you can. PCA will be testifying on Wednesday June 11th at the State Capitol. Your voice and story carry weight. Please email Glynn Loope at Glynn@premiumcigars.org for preparation and talking points.

Stay informed
PCA’s Government Affairs team will issue real‑time updates. Direct questions to govaffairs@premiumcigars.org.


House Bill No. 215 would raise the other‑tobacco products (OTP) tax on premium cigars from 30 % to 45 % of wholesale price.

Why it matters
Cripples small businesses. Delaware’s brick‑and‑mortar tobacconists already operate on slim margins. A 15‑point tax hike will wipe out profits, cut payrolls, and force some doors to close.

Pushes sales across state lines. Neighboring Pennsylvania imposes 0 % tax on premium cigars; Maryland caps its rate at 15 %. HB 215 could hand your customers to out‑of‑state competitors.

Reduces—not raises—revenue. History shows steep OTP hikes drive shoppers elsewhere, shrinking the tax base and undermining the very revenues proponents claim to seek.

Hurts tourism & community investment. Cigar lounges and specialty shops anchor main streets, sponsor local events, and draw visitors. HB 215 jeopardizes those contributions.

Immediate call to action
Contact your lawmakers today. Urge them to vote NO on HB 215. (See template letter below and PCA Action Center link.)

Call key committee members. The bill could be heard in the House Revenue & Finance Committee as early as next week. Phone numbers are listed at the end of this alert.

Share this alert. Forward to staff, customers, and industry partners. The broader the chorus, the stronger the impact.

Testify if you can. PCA will be testifying on Wednesday June 11th at the State Capitol. Your voice and story carry weight. Please email Glynn Loope at Glynn@premiumcigars.org for preparation and talking points.

Stay informed
PCA’s Government Affairs team will issue real‑time updates. Direct questions to govaffairs@premiumcigars.org.
Together we can protect Delaware’s premium‑cigar community. Act today.

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