The new FDA rules have put me out of business.

[pipeinhand]

We can not deal with the new regs so as of tomorrow Jack Lee Blend tobacco company will be no more. We are now closed and no more orders will be taken. Thank you all for your support and wonderful comments. I will miss blending for everyone and hearing all your thoughts on the blends.
The government has won and the screaming mommy's rejoice.

 

[woodsroad]

You are giving up way too soon.

 

[JimInks]

I agree with Woodsroad.

 

[perdurabo]

Has an FDA Agent appeared at your front doorstep? Did you show him that he doesn't have a partnership in your business? I'd look into a private protection agency. I'm sure some retired Seals would love to help you out. I'm being dead serious. Don't give into tyranny, Even crony FreeMarket tyranny. Fight. Fight. Fight.

 

[skraps]

Agree 100% with Dan... way, way, way too soon to give up.

 

[pappymac]

From what I've read you could stay in business for two more years before the regs affected you.

 

[ssjones]

I never knew you were just down the road in Warrenton VA.

 

[woodsroad]

Have you really researched what it will cost you to get legal? The SE may be more viable than it appears. The regulations hint that the FDA sees all pipe tobacco as being similar. Find a predicate and file. Of course, this is going to create a huge new market for pre-2007 tobacco blends that can be used as a basis for SE!

 

[iamn8]

It seems the days of government supporting and encouraging businesses is over, in all arenas, but tobacco especially so. Sad days.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Too bad. You should hang in there, as Dan suggests.

I'd look into a private protection agency. I'm sure some retired Seals would love to help you out. I'm being dead serious.

Are you for real? Dead may just be where one would end up if you try that approach, or at least in prison.

 

[shotime]

Hang in there, do not gave up that what they want.

 

[pipeinhand]

I have considered all of that. Here is the thing. I do not have the money to fight any legal battles. ALL of my blends are after 2012. Two years can be shorted by a vote tomorrow. There are yearly and semi-yearly costs (business, and state tobacco fees that coincide with this point in time) I am talking nearly $1000 just to stay in business today; before 1 more ounce is sold. All that comes out of my pocket. This has always been a boutique business for me because I love doing it. Add this storm coming, I can't do it. Lets say I drop the 1K and in 6 months everything becomes in force. I'm out with no recap at all. You see where I come from? I had breakfast with a Vape owner 2 days ago, he is thinking of closing also. When the thumb on you shuts out all light, you succumb.
Sure Al, we were at JB Hayes in Winchester about 2 years ago and I told you. How soon we forget...

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Where are your blends? I just did a www search and couldn't find a source for Jack Lee Blend tobacco.

 

[demetrakopoulos]

It's a shame that politics get so out of hand that honest small business owners have to close their doors, and it has little to no effect on the bigger corporations.

 

[jacks6]

I wish the government could see how this is affecting small business' livelihood. I'm sorry to hear this is happening so soon.

 

[mso489]

I'd hold off to see how all this interpreted and enforced, and if some of the big outfits who have legal capability gain back some concessions for everyone. I understand if the revenue stream is shut off, you can't run a business, but if necessary you could put the business on hold (I know this sounds hollow but ...) and wait to see how things shake out. Could you revive discontinued blends from the past? There may be ways for individual businesses to adapt in a legal way. Things look impossible and terminal now, but the discussion has only just begun. We hope.

 

[ssjones]

Sure Al, we were at JB Hayes in Winchester about 2 years ago and I told you. How soon we forget... []

Ah, of course. I'm terrible putting real names to forum screennames. We're overdue for a JB Hayes night.

 

[clickklick]

Try a gofundme page to raise the 1k you need?

 

[edgreen]

I actually really like clickklick's idea.

I wish the government could see how this is affecting small business' livelihood

You really think they don't?

 

[stoker]

There really ought to be an exemption for boutiques and small businesses.