The Big Smoke’s Last Big Smoke - scratch is Throwing a Huge Party “Celebrating the Cigar” in Downtown Toronto

Toronto, Canada, May 09, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Canada’s five leading cigar distributors have united together to throw a bash of epic proportions. At the stroke of midnight on May 30th, 2006, Ontario will become a smoke-free environment. Due to a significant overhaul of workplace legislation, smoking will be no longer allowed indoors at public facilities which will greatly impact the Restaurant, Bar and Tobacco industries. Brigham Enterprises Inc., Havana House Cigar & Tobacco Merchants Ltd., House of Horvath Inc., Kretek International and The David Cigar Corporation of Canada, have taken this opportunity and retained scratch to “Celebrate the Cigar” by inviting 500 plus cigar aficionados to light up one last time together.

The event will take place at Toronto’s historic Drake Hotel on the evening of May 30th, 2006. Located on trendy Queen Street West, The Drake Hotel will offer an eclectic mix of gourmet delights and spectacular entertainment. Attendees will be invited to continue their enjoyment of fine cigars after midnight under the stars on the Drake’s spectacular Sky Yard. This exclusive event is more than just a chance to smoke cigars; it is a celebration of the cigar lifestyle.

“The event is a chance for cigar smokers to come together as a large group one last time without concern of fines. This is by no means the end of cigar smoking as it is not like other tobacco products. The cigar industry has always made it clear that it is separate from the cigarette industry. Cigar smoking is more about a lifestyle, taking time to sit back alone or with friends and enjoy the time it takes to smoke a great cigar” says David Riabov, Partner, scratch. “Due to our past relationship with both the cigar retailers and distributors, we were in then unique position of pulling all these players together for this one event. The distributors are throwing the event and Toronto retailers are bringing the guests by selling tickets to patrons …. It’s great to see everyone pulling together to make this bash a success. The response has been fantastic so far.”

scratch will be working with The Drake’s public relations company Rock-it Promotions for the event.

The “Last Big Smoke”…before indulgence goes puff in the night.

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