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I come from an (at least) four generation long line of tobacco farmers based in central Greece. My father was the last in line. In early 2000s the EU goverment banned the majority of the exports of Greek Oriental tobacco, and actually payed the tobacco farmers to abandon the cultivation of tobacco in favour of other crops. In a few years, the countryside was deserted. Where you had an actually prosperous rural community, an actual culture, cultivating a crop that was in their blood, where you had actually terroir driven excellent oriental tobaccos, now you have just elderly people waiting to die, living on goverment allowances. My heart breaks everytime I visit my father's village. Just another insight on a world-wide problem. Greetings from a fellow Greek history professor, I really enjoy your channel, a true light in all the darkness that surround us.
@@padraig88I don't know if your from the USA or what country your from but I know in Ireland there are ministers who would ban religion altogether. Pipe smoking is nearly a thing of the past here and at the rate the country's going the traditional family farm and local pub will be next the old grocery shop and family butcher are already gone. Young people can't buy a house and all our government care about is abortion and gay rights can't be bothered with the day to day issues ordanry people have. Their pouring money into northern Ireland who wants nothing to do with us and helping their health service and giving our's nothing. Where ever your from just be thankful if it's not Ireland, but with a name like Padraig you may well be.
I'm 66 and feel like I'm living in one of the communist countries I learned about in school back in the 60's and 70's. I am so glad to hear you say what Patrick Henry said. "Give me liberty or give me death". I have mouthed those same words several times recently. Besides Pipes I have another hobby and that is guns and ammo. Pipes are a little cheaper than guns but the ammo for both are about the same. I have a red and white cap that says "Make 9mm cheap again" now I need a cap that says "Don't tread on my tobacco" with a snake. Loved this video. Thank you sir
The Government overreach is out of control. I agree with you that taxes are pretty much "legalized" theft. Don't give up brother we have to keep fighting
All this crap is gonna keep happening as long as “We The People” allow it! The final straw should’ve been McClelland going out of business. That should’ve woke us up. I hope we are getting to that point of being fed up enough to do something about it!
@@timdelphey6370 It's not half the country. The real problem is the sizable plurality (the largest overall chunk) are mindless fools who should not be allowed to vote and, like sheep, obey whatever they're told and seek only to avoid discomfort of any kind. They are unworthy of freedom, and those who would enslave them (and us) are unworthy of life. Nobody is comfortable addressing the obvious fact that the long term solution to the tyrannical sector is to remove them from existence.
@@timdelphey6370 I'm merely recognizing the fact. They are unworthy of it which is why they will lose it. I'm not the one who will take it from them. The tyrants are. Tyrants that they either voted for or did not oppose.
I admire your integrity sir. This video got me all kinds of riled, but I’m so glad you have the backbone and respect for your customers to deny the government this kind of private information.
I work for a tobacco company in Richmond VA, and I can confirm, you are NOT wrong. Government overreach has gone way too far, and all because they want to pander to a minority of anti-tobacco Nazis
Nazis is what they are, Adolf Hitler HATED tobacco. The guys who defeated him loved tobacco. FDR smoked cigarettes, Churchill smoked cigars and Joseph Stalin was a pipe smoker.
I'm fairly young, not quite 30, and only recently entered the pipe smoking world and love it to death. I'm also vehemently disappointed, disgusted, and incensed at how civilians allowed the State to become the monstrosity that it is today. Even more disturbing is my realization that there is an exceptional number of folk who *enjoy* the boot on their necks as the past two years have clearly demonstrated. That one really hurt on a deeper level.
What makes it even more irritating is that if you bring up stuff like this, the response you get is basically "smoking is bad anyway". That's how the government is able to get by with these shenanigans.
Agreed! It’s sad that the American public let the cigarette industry become (as all others major industries in this country ) become giant corporate entities, that help lobby the passing of laws that crush small business, and brick and mortar. This isn’t just a left or right problem. Both parties are playing us, the game is rigged. We have (American public ) danced right along with it. Every president for the last 30 years has been trash. Especially the last 3-4. We’ve got to quite looking to politicians, lawyers, and corporate Pastors for answers. And start crossing the isle and start talking with those we disagree with. Of course that would require smashing our own ego. Which isn’t something Americans now are really good at.
@@williamplants67 VERY VERY well put. I used to be stuck in my ideology on my side of the aisle and now I realize we’re all being played against each other so the govt can eat and watch us fight. Disgusting.
When the current administration proposed the exponential increase in pipe tobacco taxation, in the name of "tobacco tax equity" or some such idiocy, I bought what should be a lifetime supply of tobacco. At 64 years of age and considering the moderate rate at which I smoke I feel I have tobacco to get me to the proverbial finish line. The regret is the tobaccos I have yet to sample being sacrificed in this way. I will continue to buy and try new tobacco on a smaller scale as long as I am able. I weep for my children and grandchildren to live in a time such as this and what appears to be this nation's inevitable slide into decay.
@@bloodyplebs you could also just…raise them not to smoke? why push the responsibility of raising your own children onto the government? if that’s really your mindset on the responsibility of parenthood then you really shouldn’t be procreating anyway. or voting for that matter.
@@bloodyplebs also pipe smoking has been shown to have positive health benefits, even compared to nonsmokers: The following is a quote from the US Surgeon General report “Smoking and Health” (No. 1103, page 92) “Among the pipe smokers…The U.S. mortality ratios are 0.8 for non-inhalers and 1.0 for inhalers;”. So what does that mean, their study was using a mortality ratio of 1.0 as the mortality ratio for a non-smoker, and what they found is that pipe smokers that don’t inhale have a slightly lower mortality ratio which means that they live slightly longer. That needs repeating… _Pipe smokers that don’t inhale live longer than non-smokers according to that study._
@@bloodyplebs where does it end though? Is beef next because heart disease? Your type is the problem. Adults should be able to do as they please. Why are you even on a pipe channel? Are you here just to troll?
This video has earned you a life long customer. When you get your shop up, you’ll be my primary stop for all pipe related things. Thanks for standing strong. I’ll be buying many pounds of tobacco from you.
Amen brother. We are out here, some of us have been screaming for years. I am heartened at finally getting a sense of folks waking up to what we see. The tide is turning and the people have the ultimate power, and many of us will indeed rather die enforcing that reality, than living under tyranny. Just found your channel - 65 years young and finally followed in my father's and grandfather's pipe smoking footsteps this past summer. Love it.
My advice(I’m not a lawyer) take on a “partner” like me in Wyoming and we will sell from here. Just so happens that our storage facility is in Kentucky so shipping will occur from there. Added benefit of no state tax.
Somewhere along the line the government decided that instead of sticking to fixing roads, they needed to become our parents and “protect” us from ourselves.
I am a French guy living in a French island in the Pacific Ocean, and I watch The Pipe Cottage UA-cam channel because I want information about pipes and tobaccos. But I subscribed to The Pipe Cottage because on top of that I like Alan Harrelson's speech. For me it is a speech of freedom, that I learned to like because in France this freedom does not exist at all. I'll give you just one example: 50% of the income of the French is taken by the various direct or indirect taxes. I am not exaggerating this percentage, it is official. France is the only country in the world where communism has succeeded. Everything is controlled and recorded. As soon as you spend money you have to justify yourself to the administration, say why you want to have your money, otherwise you are refused to take it from the bank. France is one of the least free countries of the so-called "democracies". Alan, in this video you say that the pipe industry is dying in the USA. For us French, and even for us Europeans, it's the nations that are dying, for the same cause that you indicate: the governments, and more generally the European Union (civil servants not elected by the people!) which is destroying little by little the nations by producing more and more "progressive" regulations in order to dissolve the identities and the peoples, as well as their histories. That's why your videos are a real pleasure, because it reminds me that at least the USA knows how to defend its freedom and its identitie. But I realize that this is less and less true. Unfortunately, you too are moving towards the same destructions. The goal is of course the control by the government, and behind it, by huge financial groups that are the new form of dictatorships developing in the world. I know this UA-cam channel is not meant to be about politics, but we see here that even if we want to stay on the pleasant topic of pipes, politics catches up with us. I wasn't meant to be a conservative, but I see that conservatives are the only ones defending individual freedoms today. In France (so also on my island), we followed the American presidential elections. Contrary to what the press says, which (as in the USA) is almost totally controlled by the "progressives", we have clearly felt that something is wrong in the USA. There are problems with the voting systems. I'm not sure your current president deserves his position. In any case, the government administration seems to no longer guarantee individual liberties, but rather to be in the service of certain money powers, against the people. I think that the USA will meet the same fate as France and the European Union, a little later. Paradoxically, it will be other countries in the world that will defend the Western values of freedom of thought and true democracy. The West is now the empire of lies. Most of what our governments claim is false. We must resist against this and I admire your refusal to disclose the list of your clients. You are a man of values.
Alan, for what it is worth, I live in Kentucky also and I have to drive about 1 1/2 hours to one of the Tenn/KY border towns to a small pipe shop. They have never once asked for personal information to satisfy some government permits requirement. You might want to put your physical store in Tennessee. Good luck!
This sounds like Canada, too, unfortunately. We don’t get nearly the selection, especially since the “plain packaging” has come into effect, meaning many companies will not make extra types of packaging and tins to meet Canadian requirements, and of the few of those that do, many tins of pipe tobacco are $70+ and our tax on that is another 12%. It’s insane. I’m an avid cigar smoker and a pipe enthusiast, and it’s such a challenge to find a variety of tobaccos, and the selection we have here is so expensive. I certainly hope and pray that this doesn’t become the case for you in the USA. But looks like it is becoming more and more the reality. Let’s hope that we, the consumers, can turn this around and make this wonderful hobby affordable and therefore, more enjoyable to all. Thank you for your absolutely wonderful videos 🙏🏼
And we have cannabis and bong stores opening left right and centre. I admit cigar smoking is a more popular hobby followed by shisha. Smoke shops will cater according to business trends.
@@can-indian-piper as a young (30 year old) pot smoker, I’ve only just gotten into the pipe smoking world because I enjoy tobacco but the vast majority of cigarettes are gross tasting, and the ones I enjoy (Lucky Strike non filters) are rarely sold. Finding the pipe tobacco world was like a breath of fresh air(pun not intended) and I instantly imagined what legal cannabis could be like with blends and flavoring as well as culture. The tobacco tradition has been overshadowed by cigarette smoking and the dangers of cigarettes come mostly from the chemicals and the filters, because non filtered cigs that don’t use reconstituted tobacco smell and taste real and real good. I would love to see a massive switch from cigarettes to pipes, and even chew/dip which is an American tradition that regulation is slowly killing. People who are like me (30 something, long hair hippy types who consume large amounts of cannabis) generally don’t smoke pipes, so I hope that by becoming an avid pipe smoke, fully embracing the tradition, that others my age and younger will make the switch and fall in love with the culture the way we did the weed culture. Pipe culture is far more complex and established as well as dare I say more cultured. As cannabis starts to become legal, I pray that tobacco, High quality organic tobacco for pipes and RYO, as well as cigars which are already pretty popular, becomes the norm instead of the death sticks and vapes. If there was a way to vote for the tobacco industry to lose the kinds of regulations that created the dangerous products they have today, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Imagine if tomorrow they made cigarettes filtered with fiberglass or whatever illegal, you could only get a Nat Sherman style cork filter, or unfiltered. While I’m dreaming they should make it a law that cigarettes should have real tobacco in it, no bs no additives or spray chemicals. I think most cig smokers just don’t realize how delicious tobacco actually can be. They just want the nicotine hit which is why vapes and tobacco-less nic pouches are becoming so popular. We need a tobacco revolution!
Check out a First Nations Reserve if possible. The best deal I've seen lately was "Smokers Pride" 340g bags of flavoured cavendish for $60.00 each in Oshweken, Ontario.
“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,-“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.” So true! We are living in socialists bureaucracy!
Alan, dozens and dozens of people have commented on this video in only a few hours. That alone speaks volumes. You have children, I have grand children, and sons who remind me much of you. Our actions will inculcate into these young people the values that will some day recreate a free society. So fighting the battle in an honorable way is our duty. I know that you're (and our) anger turns into a steely eyed resolve to beat them at their own game. As long as we all do this in our own way, our children will be the winners. I'll keep absorbing and gaining strength from your thoughts as long as you keep offering them. God bless.
The tobacco industry use to support east Kentucky. Small farms produced huge crops and huge tobacco distribution warehouses were in every town. They were the backbone of the local economies. I grew up in a tobacco raising community in East Kentucky and I remember when the federal government began to pay farmers to not grow crops. They estimated what the farmer’s land would produce monetarily and the government would supplement the earnings of the farmer a percentage and that farmer would not grow that percentage. As a child I never understood why the government would pay people not to work, but this crippled local farmers as the supplement monies dried up and farms that were once prosperous became useless land that couldn’t support its families. The families became more dependent upon government programs just to survive as the only way of life they had ever known, farming, was put out of business. None of my home town farms grow tobacco anymore. Our farm alone grew acres and acres of tobacco probably close to 50 acres. We had 3 large bars that were loaded top to bottom and front to back with burley. Only one of our barns still stands and it’s roof tin started blowing off a few years ago. My uncle sees no need to fix it because it’s just a useless structure standing in a pasture that is soon to be taken by road development. The problem is that the party of Lincoln as well as the party of FDR don’t exist anymore. It’s just the party of money and the party of money has killed local economies and are now looking for other ways to fill their pockets and the result is to drain the people. There are still patriots out here people who are passionate about our ways of life but we are a small group that needs massive dollars to combat the political machines.
I really get a lot from your content and appreciate all you have to say on the subject of pipes and tobacco. It makes me all the more loyal to your store knowing that you don’t sell or give away customer information. I’m glad to hear from your social media that you are going to open up a brick and mortar store. Keep up the good work and I cannot wait to visit when you open up shop.
I know this was a year ago but both of my local B&Ms have recently told me that they can't keep pipes in stock and blends are more requested than ever. Your stance is correct regardless of political leaning. The constitution isn't liberal or conservative, it's American, and what they are asking is a clear violation of the 4th amendment.
I live in Australia, where we have plain packaging and pay almost four times the amount of money for pipe tobacco. But as far as I know, we do not have any regulation that requires tobacconists to reveal their customers' personal information and contact details. I would be furious if the Australian government did that, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did! I'm not sure what you can do, but if you decide to start an online petition I'll be happy to sign it. Either way, I commend you for choosing liberty over the almighty buck. God bless you, Alan.
Here in Connecticut, we have no true pipe tobacco retailers. Here we have "smoke shops that sell cigars, vape products, cigarettes and a few pkgs of Borkum Riff or Captain Black. I have to buy my tobacco online.
Thank you for your video, honesty, and perspective. This has become an item of concern for me as a newer pipe smoker who is concerned that the good times may come to an end some day.
@@thepipecottage3301 Very true. I appreciate you taking a stand for the YTPC and all of your efforts. I do hope that you're able to open a store in the future. I think it would be a great destination for pipe smokers to enjoy. With your background and vision I'm sure it would be special, next level, and a differentiator in the marketplace.
Thank you sincerely for your message I hope it goes viral. I faced a similar problem when I started my online shop selling restored pipes and providing repairs. Currently the federal government does not consider the pipe itself a tobacco product . I see that coming, as most of the company's that accept online credit payment do. I had a huge problem setting up a system of payment and many rounds of correspondence with square and others to allow me to accept payment for repairs and restored pipes. Fortunately its not my day job but it is my passion. I am sure I would not be able to make a living repairing and selling restored pipes and most of the remaining pipe repair people i know are facing the same issues. If there is anything I can do to assist you in your quest please let me know. Your videos are great and we all miss your shop.
Good for you! The worst part for me is it’s an agreement between the retailers and the government. The consumer buying a product has no idea that the retailer is to turn around and give all their private information to the government. There’s nothing on the receipt, not even a sign on the door! That’s not right!
In the Republic of Ireland the tobacco is taxed out of the stratosphere. It costs about 35€ (about $40) for a single pouch. Most of my friends from the republic have to buy their tobacco from my home in Northern Ireland because it’s slightly cheaper. It’s utterly disgusting how the governments take more and more power that the people don’t want it to have. I pray that the US and European government gets a firm and swift reality check from the people who really represent their nation. Stay strong my brother. You’ve one again earned my admiration for your integrity.
what if you buy elsewhere in europe in bulk, at best together with friends or a whole community? depending on the tobacco the average pouch here in germany is around 10€
Being in Canada I'm no stranger to $80 pipe tobacco tins (real price tag)! Usually 3 times a year I place an ~800 CAD order with smoking pipes, and bring in ~50 tins at a time. I'm thinking it's time to make that a bigger order, and start really importing some tobacco, maybe 200 - 250 tins / year. The reality is at 35, I will see quality tobacco become illegal, and the only true course of action is to store several decades worth on hand.
Dude, I ordered 4 tins from 4noggins one time and customs charged me duty, GST, and PST from a province I don't even live in. My $120 package turned into a $300. How the hell do you get away with a 50 tin order?! Teach me the way!
@@benharbak Get yourself a US Postal Box, they're easy enough to find with a search. Break your tobacco order into two shipments, 1 with 3 - 4 tins, Pipe Cleaners, etc... and the other is your LARGE order. Have the small order read to inspect beside you, with the invoice, and stash / hide the large order, making sure your car / truck is clean to make it seem like you couldn't possibly hide anything. When the border asks why you were in the US, be honest and say: "I had to get this package of tobacco." and show them the small box with the invoice. I've never been stopped or quested, doing this.
Thank you for taking a moral stand on the issue sir. Perhaps just make that issue known to your customers prior to them buying so that it is the customers choice and off of your conscience. Keep fighting brother… honestly would love to see someone like you run for office. As crazy as that may sound, we NEED real people in government.
Problem is good people like that don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning an election unless they play ball with the party platform. Washington warned us not to get into political parties... should have listened.
Absolutely true! What is happening to you is only a symptom of what is happening to our country, and is an absolute shame! Just remember, you have the full support of one of the greatest, most loyal communities in America. Keep up the great work! 🔥🔥🔥
The situation sucks in Canada. Your two options are either buying a limited selection of tins in a B$M store for 60$, or buy cheap tobacco from the US online, but pay 30$ for shipping plus duties, so it comes up to the same price, if not more. Meanwhile we have Pot shops opening on every block, in every suburb. We have more pot shops than McDonalds here, and only 2 tobacco shops which mostly cater to cigars.
I feel your pain brother! I'm in the process of opening a brick n mortar pipe and cigar shop in Wisconsin. I have to pay a 71% tax on all pipe tobacco and a 50 cent tax on every cigar, and I can not sell tobacco online. Luckily, pipes are not regulated and I do very well selling pipes online. At 71% tax, it will be impossible for me to price my pipe tobacco competitively with online retailers that are selling from less regulated states.
Am inspired by this and thank you!! I lived in So Cal for years and at 66, we just retired and moved back to NW Arkansas after many years. The Government cancer is growing my friend, but like you, I have planned well. Sitting on about 20+ pipes, mostly Savinelli and Peterson and have jard enough splendid baccy for years. I hope u succeed my friend, would love 2 buy from another American!! ALWAYS need more.
I hate that it’s exactly what I expected. Now I see why so many stores and blend crafters just slammed their doors. Good on you for standing for the customer.
Preach it Brother. I’ve seen you book shelf in your vids. I know your passions are fueled universal truths our forefathers knew well. Keep pushing the content and I pray you will find a way to reopen your store in some state. May we all find ourselves worthy of the traditions to which we are heir.
Every single time I pick up my pipe I shed a tear for McClelland. The best tobacco I have ever had the chance to try. I discovered them too late. However, I am one of the lucky ones. I still have an unopened tin of Cellar.
Good video keep fighting, you making a video teaching us about storing pipe tobacco long term would be good about now so we can stock up .you guys are in my prayers
I share your love of history, pipe, and teaching at the university level. This was going to be my original dream and path, but life interrupted. Please check out Bremen Piper on UA-cam. He is also a university professor I believe and possibly a history professor as well. His original goal was to produce content on pipe smoking, but also do it while going to historical landmarks and locations. You sir would bring great value with this as well I feel. If KY doesn't suit your needs, perhaps a state like VA with 123 historical landmarks and many parks, etc would suit your needs and passions? Thanks for all you do. You have my support.
Well said Alan, as you say in the UK we get robbed blind for all tobacco products. A pack of 20 Marlboro is £13. A tin of pipe tobacco is £17 for a small 50g tin. Most of the cost is tax. The huge gov. Taxes have devastated many of our public houses who have had to close. £5 and more is not unusual for a pint of beer in a pub. The world has gone to hell in a handbasket. Keep up the fight brother, as it appears the US tobacco market is going the same way as Canada, Australia and Europe.
@@thepipecottage3301 It's ironic in a state famous for its fine fire cured baccy that they are giving you the third degree hassle. Why the heck do they need names and addresses of people you sell to? Same kind of petty rubbish here to my friend. All our rolling tobacco is now sold in the same olive green packaging, no brand logos, and tiny writing in the corner in block capital letters telling the brand 😂. The rest of the pack contains graphic photos of advanced illness like cancer etc. It's like living in Orwell's 1984. Help! 😂 🙏
@@jonathonrowley3535 I knew it was dear in Australia but not as much as that! The government's have created 'tobacco price envy' between us. UK Envy US prices, Australia eye watering price compared to UK, astronomical compared to US!
Brother I’m so sorry to hear this. You’re a honorable gentleman who was treated wrong. You keep up the good content for gentlemen that still enjoy the thinking mans drug (tobacco).
I know exactly how you feel, and agree with all your points. I live in NE Florida and got into pipe smoking about two years ago. In my entire city (the largest by land mass in the U.S.) you can only find 2 stores that sell actual tobacco blends and anything worth smoking. Sure, most headshops have the 2$/lb extremely unpleasant tobacco, but theres nary a dedicated pipe tobacco store in reasonable distance. It's the same reason why there are few to no groups of pipe smokers that get together in the city and even state.
Great video. I'm growing tobacco myself this year. Learning to grow, cure, and blend. Trying to put myself in a position to say "No" to tyrants, while keeping my belly and pipe full.
Any information on curing pipe tobacco would be greatly appreciated. I have be growing last 2 years. Some pressing and curing. I will get better at it. Thanks.
@@snailcreekhomestead I'm just starting to hang some leaves up now. Curing is the tricky part. If it's too dry (and you harvest the leaves green) they can dry green. If it's too damp you'll get mold issues. It's very surprising to me how little information UA-cam has about this. There are instructional videos on nearly everything, but hardly any really good detailed info on tobacco curing.
Yes I know enough about cut and cure south east Indiana every body did tobacco till about 25 years ago. But like you said fermentation of pipe part is not much information at all. I have Virginia, Shirley and burly. Growing at this time. New sub on your Chanel. Thanks
Let me drop some words. As an introduction: I'm from Germany and I baught my first pipe (a Chacom) in the beginning of the 90's last century. My approach to taxes is not negativ as I want roads to be maintained, administration working and my salery as teacher in a public school being payed monthly. But nevertheless, let's look at some prices. Just recently I purchased two 100g tins of Rattray's, 20,90 EUR each. also a Mac Barren Mixture for 22,90 EUR per 100g. As I don't know how it is in the US with the pricing of tobacco, here each tin has a tax label indicating the price. The retailer cannot go under it or above. So where ever you're buying your tobacco (same applies for cigars and cigarettes) you will pay the same price. When I'm looking at the tax label of an old tin of Rattray's (should be older than 15 years) it was 15,35 EUR per 100g. I'd say that this rais is very fair compared to the other prices and their developpement over the last two decades. Pipes... Of course when I got my first pipes it was easy to find one for 50-80 D-Mark (25-40 EUR) in reasonable quality. For my first Stanwell (a Facette) I had to pay 60 EUR what was expensive to me as a student. The Petersons were a little above that price tag depending on the line. If I remember well, I got my first one (a 999 rusticated) for 35 EUR. But that was back then, more than 30 years ago. In the town I'm living (raound about 150.000 inhabitants) there's still a pipe and cigar retailer and several more stores that do sell pipe tobacco and some pipes. If living on the country side you either drive to the next town or you order online for practically the same price. Of course you have to pay for delivery what's not conveniant for a single tin of tobacco. But most of the small retailers, mostly shops selling a larger array of goods, would order your desired tobacco. Now to something completely different. I absolutely agree on your position concerning customer privacy! That's a real no-go. It's fine if they ask for each bill to calculate but not for the private information of a customer. As far as I know, our tax administration doesn't ask for that. But: I'm not in the business. Have a good smoke
Well Said, I am very sorry to hear about the situation with your business. I agree with you 100 percent. We are in trying times. Prayers for wisdom, as we move forward.
God bless you for your staunch convictions and your willingness to stand your ground and not "bend the knee". This video shows me nearly everything I need to know about you as a person, as a man. Come down to Texas. San Antonio is very nice. If you need someone to vent to, let me know!
I enjoy your channel, and you’ve helped me return to my pipes after a 20+ year hiatus. I live in a bright blue yankee state that i seek to escape, (it’s changed in my lifetime) Its so blue that you could not mail me tobacco because my state prohibits any tobacco sale thats not face to face. It’s near impossible to get any good selection here. You’re a patriot, sir. I hope you find a way to start your small business. I’m pissed and sharing your story. Talk about govt overreach!
I'm not really a conservative at all, but I do appreciate the craft of pipe tobacco and cigars. I don't so much like the big tobacco companies but businesses like yours are an attempt to reclaim that culture and bring it to the common people.
Keep fighting the good fight. You are not alone. As a follow Kentuckian I am outraged to hear the government wants to collect our personal information. Your content is appreciated and I hope you are am to find a work around.
To much interfering from governments including here in the U K they tax everything the prices are becoming more and more expensive, its ridiculous, keep up the good work Alan and keep fighting back whatever way you can .
God bless you Alan for your integrity and for the respect for the private information that you guard. Best of luck brother may God bless you and give you wisdom as you go forward.
Preach it! As a blacksmith, I can tell you that the problem with local, state, and federal government is not limited to just tobacco. What you've discovered is something long known by folks who've been in the game. It's a travesty, to be sure! The problem is what I've coined as "Tending Your Garden". If you look at US History, specifically as it relates to the Trades, something I'm particularly attuned with, you quickly see how it's been a steady campaign to destroy the fabric of the nation through a death of a thousand cuts. No single thing ever seemed so bad. Often, those things were sold to the people by tugging on the heartstrings, making them feel good about themselves. And while everyone talks about the straw that broke the camel's back, they never think about the millions straws that came beforehand and how all that burden prevented the camel from doing camel things. It's good to see your eyes open. You seem like a good soul and we need more like you in this fight. Solidarity and Fraternity are the two key components. Our enemies have those two things in abundance, but our side is amazingly lacking. If we're to Tend Our Garden, we need to be willing to make hard decisions. Weeds must be pulled. Bunnies and Deer, cute as they may be, have no place in the Garden, and must, therefore, be fenced out. If you talk like that, you will be called mean names. Even your own family will attack you. Be ready for it. Think long and hard about whether you are willing to be worthy of what you've inherited.
Hi❗🙋🏻♂️This is Devjit Raxit from India once again. First of all, let me congratulate you and thank you for choosing the Smokey Mountains as your location❗I mean I can literally feel that nice n easy breeze blowing the leaves behind... just excellent ❗I want add a couple of blends that I enjoyed the aroma ( leaves a nice room note as well )... One is the Amphora, and the other one being Borkum Riff Cherry Cavendish...👍
Have you filled a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) yet? That's a way to try and get the information to your questions they refused to answer. But you are correct. It's every industry, not just the tobacco industry.
I wholeheartedly agree with your video. John Stossel when he Had a TV show showed the process of trying to get a license to sell at a kiosk in New York City and the rigmarole and cost compared to Hong Kong. It took days and weeks of preparation for New York and Hong Kong he just walked in the $75 and had his permit. That’s a course before the red Chinese took it over. I live in Florida and Palm Beach County, Broward county, and Martin County do not have any brick and mortar stores for pipe tobacco or pipes. I’m not sure about Miami. This is a shame this is a disgrace that our industry is dying.
It is the same reason my hobby, stamp collecting, is dying. Young people are not taking it up. Sadly, these things are not considered ''hip'' today. Sad.
I'm in Canada, Western Canada specifically, and recently thought I might take up pipe smoking after being a nonsmoker of any kind for approximately 50 years... since I was a young man in fact. I went ahead but was shocked through the process by several things. Firstly, the shear rarity of pipes and the accompanying necessities, and secondly by the current price of tobacco (if and when one can find it)! I paid $65 CAD for a pouch!!! ... and discovered that that was not a bad deal!!! You could have knocked me down with a feather. As a result, I'm limiting my indulgence to only a few times per week and, even then, only a half bowl or so per session. It's become a rich man's activity it appears.
Thank you for sharing your experience and informing us of these laws and regulations . Good luck on opening your future business. Please keep fighting for freedom.
Wow this was a totally different side of you and it was great to see. I'm in the UK where laws and regulations are generally stricter than they are in the USA. I have the same opinion about government and taxes as you. Our freedom is being taken from us every day.
In Washington State we can't even buy pipe tobacco online. The government said it was "too easy for minors to buy tobacco that way" but we all know it's for the taxes. The only way for us to get it is to go to a local pipe shop and get good blends or tinned tobacco. Its ok to a point but when they tax the local pipe shop into closing then what are we supposed to do. Also, sometimes we want to get the good internet price for the same tobacco. We can also go to the local tobacco store and get the cheap gross "pipe" tobacco they sell but who really wants that stuff. It's frustrating. Liberty is being threatened by both sides (Dems and GOP) and it's getting to a point where we won't have any left.
My husband and I just watched this video. Thank you. We should have a tobacco pipe and cigar March on Washington! I'd go. I bet it would be the most diverse and most amazing peaceful gathering the country has seen in decades. It would smell really good too.
I Thank you for standing up for your rights and can't believe that the government threatening you. If you open up a tobacco shop I will purchase from you .
You hit the nail right on the head deep down I wonder if tobacco pipes or smoking pipes are required to share our info with the government ? Also any chance you will be at the Ohio pipe show?
The big 3 online retailers are in the least regulated states. That's why they can sell tins at $9.99 online. In my state, I'm not even allowed to sell tobacco online. Even with a Distributor's License.
I’ve watched many of your videos and you have earned my first like. I would like to know more about your thoughts. I speculate much but can’t put my finger on it.
I don't agree with everything you said but you have my full respect for sticking to your morals. Also you're 'line in the sand' of not giving contact details without a full explanation of how they are to be used is wonderful and I wish more people had your moral integrity.
Nobody talks about this, but the real problem here is that pipe tobacco IS NOT separated from cigarettes. Since Big Tobacco was proven to be actively killing their customers by adding chemicals, additional nicotine, etc. to cigarettes, the government (and non-smokers) have been all over tobacco. Until we can get some separation from that, the pipe industry is going to suffer from the sins of the Big Tobacco cigarette industry. I get in conversations all the time where I have to explain to people that pipe tobacco isn't treated like cheap cigarette tobacco--that any nicotine in it is natural, that additives (other than flavoring/casing/topping) aren't typically used, etc. The tobacco industry needs to step up and separate itself from Big Tobacco and start educating the public--and, therefore, the government--about pipe tobacco and smoking. Then maybe we can get the feds off our backs.
I do believe that there is a senator that toutes the importance of our privacy and I do believe that you have an opportunity to voice your concerns to them. I do realize and recognize that our government has gotten too big, but I also believe that the day is coming when “WE THE PEOPLE” will step up once again and confront tyranny! Thank you Allen and keep up the good fight!
What a great post! My woman thinks that i am absolutely crazy about cellaring tobacco, at the rate that i do! But the one thing that i can say is the briar will always filled! The damn government is absolutely out of control 😒 at the federal and state level! Keep on cellaring and piping ytpc!
There was a reason why I liked you from the get go. There was something there, something I felt, and today after watching this my opinion of you is confirmed. I want to say more there is so much to air, but hardly anything that you have not already covered. Rather than regurgitate what you have already covered in a less eloquent manner, god bless you, a dying breed. That song comes to mind, bye bye miss American pie, that damn song always made me sad listening to it, and now it has become reality.
Amen brother…you are 110% correct about govt over-reach and losing our individual freedoms. It’s a sad commentary on the current and future state of affairs.
I come from an (at least) four generation long line of tobacco farmers based in central Greece. My father was the last in line. In early 2000s the EU goverment banned the majority of the exports of Greek Oriental tobacco, and actually payed the tobacco farmers to abandon the cultivation of tobacco in favour of other crops. In a few years, the countryside was deserted. Where you had an actually prosperous rural community, an actual culture, cultivating a crop that was in their blood, where you had actually terroir driven excellent oriental tobaccos, now you have just elderly people waiting to die, living on goverment allowances. My heart breaks everytime I visit my father's village. Just another insight on a world-wide problem. Greetings from a fellow Greek history professor, I really enjoy your channel, a true light in all the darkness that surround us.
Its the Health nazi Agenda, for global control and dominance of ALL resources
It is because tobacco has positive spiritual uses, they do no want that.
thanks for that info and greetings from germany
Heartbreaking. As Ronald Reagan said, "the most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the Government and I'm here to help'"!
@@padraig88I don't know if your from the USA or what country your from but I know in Ireland there are ministers who would ban religion altogether. Pipe smoking is nearly a thing of the past here and at the rate the country's going the traditional family farm and local pub will be next the old grocery shop and family butcher are already gone. Young people can't buy a house and all our government care about is abortion and gay rights can't be bothered with the day to day issues ordanry people have. Their pouring money into northern Ireland who wants nothing to do with us and helping their health service and giving our's nothing. Where ever your from just be thankful if it's not Ireland, but with a name like Padraig you may well be.
I'm 66 and feel like I'm living in one of the communist countries I learned about in school back in the 60's and 70's. I am so glad to hear you say what Patrick Henry said. "Give me liberty or give me death". I have mouthed those same words several times recently. Besides Pipes I have another hobby and that is guns and ammo. Pipes are a little cheaper than guns but the ammo for both are about the same. I have a red and white cap that says "Make 9mm cheap again" now I need a cap that says "Don't tread on my tobacco" with a snake. Loved this video. Thank you sir
The Government overreach is out of control. I agree with you that taxes are pretty much "legalized" theft. Don't give up brother we have to keep fighting
All this crap is gonna keep happening as long as “We The People” allow it! The final straw should’ve been McClelland going out of business. That should’ve woke us up. I hope we are getting to that point of being fed up enough to do something about it!
The scariest part is like half the country wants the government to have more control.
@@timdelphey6370
It's not half the country. The real problem is the sizable plurality (the largest overall chunk) are mindless fools who should not be allowed to vote and, like sheep, obey whatever they're told and seek only to avoid discomfort of any kind. They are unworthy of freedom, and those who would enslave them (and us) are unworthy of life. Nobody is comfortable addressing the obvious fact that the long term solution to the tyrannical sector is to remove them from existence.
@@asahelnettleton9044 you're on a slippery slope when you start deciding who is/isn't allowed to vote and who does/doesn't deserve freedom.
@@timdelphey6370
I'm merely recognizing the fact. They are unworthy of it which is why they will lose it. I'm not the one who will take it from them. The tyrants are. Tyrants that they either voted for or did not oppose.
I admire your integrity sir. This video got me all kinds of riled, but I’m so glad you have the backbone and respect for your customers to deny the government this kind of private information.
bro you got to be so gullible to actually believe this clown's story
They’ve legalised weed but are making pipe tobacco illegal. Crazy
I work for a tobacco company in Richmond VA, and I can confirm, you are NOT wrong. Government overreach has gone way too far, and all because they want to pander to a minority of anti-tobacco Nazis
Nazis is what they are, Adolf Hitler HATED tobacco. The guys who defeated him loved tobacco. FDR smoked cigarettes, Churchill smoked cigars and Joseph Stalin was a pipe smoker.
I'm fairly young, not quite 30, and only recently entered the pipe smoking world and love it to death. I'm also vehemently disappointed, disgusted, and incensed at how civilians allowed the State to become the monstrosity that it is today. Even more disturbing is my realization that there is an exceptional number of folk who *enjoy* the boot on their necks as the past two years have clearly demonstrated. That one really hurt on a deeper level.
What makes it even more irritating is that if you bring up stuff like this, the response you get is basically "smoking is bad anyway". That's how the government is able to get by with these shenanigans.
Agreed! It’s sad that the American public let the cigarette industry become (as all others major industries in this country ) become giant corporate entities, that help lobby the passing of laws that crush small business, and brick and mortar. This isn’t just a left or right problem. Both parties are playing us, the game is rigged. We have (American public ) danced right along with it. Every president for the last 30 years has been trash. Especially the last 3-4. We’ve got to quite looking to politicians, lawyers, and corporate Pastors for answers. And start crossing the isle and start talking with those we disagree with. Of course that would require smashing our own ego. Which isn’t something Americans now are really good at.
Same age as me. I feel the same way
Indeed, but super addictive, unhealthy things like sugar and cheese are just fine with the government because they fuel the 'healthcare' industry
@@williamplants67 VERY VERY well put. I used to be stuck in my ideology on my side of the aisle and now I realize we’re all being played against each other so the govt can eat and watch us fight. Disgusting.
When the current administration proposed the exponential increase in pipe tobacco taxation, in the name of "tobacco tax equity" or some such idiocy, I bought what should be a lifetime supply of tobacco. At 64 years of age and considering the moderate rate at which I smoke I feel I have tobacco to get me to the proverbial finish line. The regret is the tobaccos I have yet to sample being sacrificed in this way. I will continue to buy and try new tobacco on a smaller scale as long as I am able. I weep for my children and grandchildren to live in a time such as this and what appears to be this nation's inevitable slide into decay.
This wasn’t the current administration, they all have to vote on the tax. This was put forth by both parties.
Oh no!!!!! My kids and grandkids will have reduced rates of cancer and heart disease, the horror!
@@bloodyplebs you could also just…raise them not to smoke? why push the responsibility of raising your own children onto the government? if that’s really your mindset on the responsibility of parenthood then you really shouldn’t be procreating anyway. or voting for that matter.
@@bloodyplebs also pipe smoking has been shown to have positive health benefits, even compared to nonsmokers:
The following is a quote from the US Surgeon General report “Smoking and Health” (No. 1103, page 92) “Among the pipe smokers…The U.S. mortality ratios are 0.8 for non-inhalers and 1.0 for inhalers;”. So what does that mean, their study was using a mortality ratio of 1.0 as the mortality ratio for a non-smoker, and what they found is that pipe smokers that don’t inhale have a slightly lower mortality ratio which means that they live slightly longer. That needs repeating… _Pipe smokers that don’t inhale live longer than non-smokers according to that study._
@@bloodyplebs where does it end though? Is beef next because heart disease? Your type is the problem. Adults should be able to do as they please. Why are you even on a pipe channel? Are you here just to troll?
This video has earned you a life long customer. When you get your shop up, you’ll be my primary stop for all pipe related things. Thanks for standing strong. I’ll be buying many pounds of tobacco from you.
Ditto.
Stay strong brother, I'm so tired of all the government bs everywhere these days. Keep fighting the good fight.
Amen brother. We are out here, some of us have been screaming for years. I am heartened at finally getting a sense of folks waking up to what we see. The tide is turning and the people have the ultimate power, and many of us will indeed rather die enforcing that reality, than living under tyranny. Just found your channel - 65 years young and finally followed in my father's and grandfather's pipe smoking footsteps this past summer. Love it.
My advice(I’m not a lawyer) take on a “partner” like me in Wyoming and we will sell from here. Just so happens that our storage facility is in Kentucky so shipping will occur from there. Added benefit of no state tax.
🤔🤔
Somewhere along the line the government decided that instead of sticking to fixing roads, they needed to become our parents and “protect” us from ourselves.
I am a French guy living in a French island in the Pacific Ocean, and I watch The Pipe Cottage UA-cam channel because I want information about pipes and tobaccos. But I subscribed to The Pipe Cottage because on top of that I like Alan Harrelson's speech. For me it is a speech of freedom, that I learned to like because in France this freedom does not exist at all. I'll give you just one example: 50% of the income of the French is taken by the various direct or indirect taxes. I am not exaggerating this percentage, it is official. France is the only country in the world where communism has succeeded. Everything is controlled and recorded. As soon as you spend money you have to justify yourself to the administration, say why you want to have your money, otherwise you are refused to take it from the bank. France is one of the least free countries of the so-called "democracies".
Alan, in this video you say that the pipe industry is dying in the USA. For us French, and even for us Europeans, it's the nations that are dying, for the same cause that you indicate: the governments, and more generally the European Union (civil servants not elected by the people!) which is destroying little by little the nations by producing more and more "progressive" regulations in order to dissolve the identities and the peoples, as well as their histories. That's why your videos are a real pleasure, because it reminds me that at least the USA knows how to defend its freedom and its identitie. But I realize that this is less and less true. Unfortunately, you too are moving towards the same destructions. The goal is of course the control by the government, and behind it, by huge financial groups that are the new form of dictatorships developing in the world.
I know this UA-cam channel is not meant to be about politics, but we see here that even if we want to stay on the pleasant topic of pipes, politics catches up with us.
I wasn't meant to be a conservative, but I see that conservatives are the only ones defending individual freedoms today. In France (so also on my island), we followed the American presidential elections. Contrary to what the press says, which (as in the USA) is almost totally controlled by the "progressives", we have clearly felt that something is wrong in the USA. There are problems with the voting systems. I'm not sure your current president deserves his position. In any case, the government administration seems to no longer guarantee individual liberties, but rather to be in the service of certain money powers, against the people. I think that the USA will meet the same fate as France and the European Union, a little later. Paradoxically, it will be other countries in the world that will defend the Western values of freedom of thought and true democracy. The West is now the empire of lies. Most of what our governments claim is false.
We must resist against this and I admire your refusal to disclose the list of your clients. You are a man of values.
Thanks for the information. This is really interesting.
The more we give to the government, the more they reward us with abuse.
This is some mayor bullshit, stay put and enjoy the sun and sand of french polynesia.
@@jefferykubitz4510 I agree
@@jefferykubitz4510 yes, it’s quite harrowing, like Orwell’s dying speech
You have my respect. It has been a pleasant surprise to find so many people of like mind while researching a new hobby, wholly unrelated to politics.
Alan, for what it is worth, I live in Kentucky also and I have to drive about 1 1/2 hours to one of the Tenn/KY border towns to a small pipe shop. They have never once asked for personal information to satisfy some government permits requirement. You might want to put your physical store in Tennessee. Good luck!
This sounds like Canada, too, unfortunately. We don’t get nearly the selection, especially since the “plain packaging” has come into effect, meaning many companies will not make extra types of packaging and tins to meet Canadian requirements, and of the few of those that do, many tins of pipe tobacco are $70+ and our tax on that is another 12%. It’s insane. I’m an avid cigar smoker and a pipe enthusiast, and it’s such a challenge to find a variety of tobaccos, and the selection we have here is so expensive. I certainly hope and pray that this doesn’t become the case for you in the USA. But looks like it is becoming more and more the reality. Let’s hope that we, the consumers, can turn this around and make this wonderful hobby affordable and therefore, more enjoyable to all. Thank you for your absolutely wonderful videos 🙏🏼
And we have cannabis and bong stores opening left right and centre. I admit cigar smoking is a more popular hobby followed by shisha. Smoke shops will cater according to business trends.
@@can-indian-piper as a young (30 year old) pot smoker, I’ve only just gotten into the pipe smoking world because I enjoy tobacco but the vast majority of cigarettes are gross tasting, and the ones I enjoy (Lucky Strike non filters) are rarely sold. Finding the pipe tobacco world was like a breath of fresh air(pun not intended) and I instantly imagined what legal cannabis could be like with blends and flavoring as well as culture.
The tobacco tradition has been overshadowed by cigarette smoking and the dangers of cigarettes come mostly from the chemicals and the filters, because non filtered cigs that don’t use reconstituted tobacco smell and taste real and real good. I would love to see a massive switch from cigarettes to pipes, and even chew/dip which is an American tradition that regulation is slowly killing.
People who are like me (30 something, long hair hippy types who consume large amounts of cannabis) generally don’t smoke pipes, so I hope that by becoming an avid pipe smoke, fully embracing the tradition, that others my age and younger will make the switch and fall in love with the culture the way we did the weed culture. Pipe culture is far more complex and established as well as dare I say more cultured. As cannabis starts to become legal, I pray that tobacco, High quality organic tobacco for pipes and RYO, as well as cigars which are already pretty popular, becomes the norm instead of the death sticks and vapes.
If there was a way to vote for the
tobacco industry to lose the kinds of regulations that created the dangerous products they have today, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Imagine if tomorrow they made cigarettes filtered with fiberglass or whatever illegal, you could only get a Nat Sherman style cork filter, or unfiltered. While I’m dreaming they should make it a law that cigarettes should have real tobacco in it, no bs no additives or spray chemicals.
I think most cig smokers just don’t realize how delicious tobacco actually can be. They just want the nicotine hit which is why vapes and tobacco-less nic pouches are becoming so popular. We need a tobacco revolution!
Check out a First Nations Reserve if possible. The best deal I've seen lately was "Smokers Pride" 340g bags of flavoured cavendish for $60.00 each in Oshweken, Ontario.
@@MAC.... You are right - I need to take a drive over there some day
Order online my fellow Canadian ;)
“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,-“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.”
So true! We are living in socialists bureaucracy!
Alan, dozens and dozens of people have commented on this video in only a few hours. That alone speaks volumes. You have children, I have grand children, and sons who remind me much of you. Our actions will inculcate into these young people the values that will some day recreate a free society. So fighting the battle in an honorable way is our duty. I know that you're (and our) anger turns into a steely eyed resolve to beat them at their own game. As long as we all do this in our own way, our children will be the winners. I'll keep absorbing and gaining strength from your thoughts as long as you keep offering them. God bless.
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us. I feel your pain my brother. I’m in Canada and tin costs $75.
The tobacco industry use to support east Kentucky. Small farms produced huge crops and huge tobacco distribution warehouses were in every town. They were the backbone of the local economies. I grew up in a tobacco raising community in East Kentucky and I remember when the federal government began to pay farmers to not grow crops. They estimated what the farmer’s land would produce monetarily and the government would supplement the earnings of the farmer a percentage and that farmer would not grow that percentage. As a child I never understood why the government would pay people not to work, but this crippled local farmers as the supplement monies dried up and farms that were once prosperous became useless land that couldn’t support its families. The families became more dependent upon government programs just to survive as the only way of life they had ever known, farming, was put out of business. None of my home town farms grow tobacco anymore. Our farm alone grew acres and acres of tobacco probably close to 50 acres. We had 3 large bars that were loaded top to bottom and front to back with burley. Only one of our barns still stands and it’s roof tin started blowing off a few years ago. My uncle sees no need to fix it because it’s just a useless structure standing in a pasture that is soon to be taken by road development. The problem is that the party of Lincoln as well as the party of FDR don’t exist anymore. It’s just the party of money and the party of money has killed local economies and are now looking for other ways to fill their pockets and the result is to drain the people. There are still patriots out here people who are passionate about our ways of life but we are a small group that needs massive dollars to combat the political machines.
That supervisor has a boss somewhere!
I really get a lot from your content and appreciate all you have to say on the subject of pipes and tobacco. It makes me all the more loyal to your store knowing that you don’t sell or give away customer information. I’m glad to hear from your social media that you are going to open up a brick and mortar store. Keep up the good work and I cannot wait to visit when you open up shop.
I know this was a year ago but both of my local B&Ms have recently told me that they can't keep pipes in stock and blends are more requested than ever. Your stance is correct regardless of political leaning. The constitution isn't liberal or conservative, it's American, and what they are asking is a clear violation of the 4th amendment.
Now I understand why all this is happening. They want to blacklist all the tobacco users so they hit them with higher insurance premiums.
I don't smoke, but I support this message.
I live in Australia, where we have plain packaging and pay almost four times the amount of money for pipe tobacco. But as far as I know, we do not have any regulation that requires tobacconists to reveal their customers' personal information and contact details. I would be furious if the Australian government did that, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did! I'm not sure what you can do, but if you decide to start an online petition I'll be happy to sign it. Either way, I commend you for choosing liberty over the almighty buck. God bless you, Alan.
Here in Connecticut, we have no true pipe tobacco retailers. Here we have "smoke shops that sell cigars, vape products, cigarettes and a few pkgs of Borkum Riff or Captain Black. I have to buy my tobacco online.
Thank you for your video, honesty, and perspective. This has become an item of concern for me as a newer pipe smoker who is concerned that the good times may come to an end some day.
@@thepipecottage3301 Very true. I appreciate you taking a stand for the YTPC and all of your efforts. I do hope that you're able to open a store in the future. I think it would be a great destination for pipe smokers to enjoy. With your background and vision I'm sure it would be special, next level, and a differentiator in the marketplace.
Thank you for another great video. I appreciate all your thoughts and hard work put into your videos.
Thank you sincerely for your message I hope it goes viral. I faced a similar problem when I started my online shop selling restored pipes and providing repairs. Currently the federal government does not consider the pipe itself a tobacco product . I see that coming, as most of the company's that accept online credit payment do. I had a huge problem setting up a system of payment and many rounds of correspondence with square and others to allow me to accept payment for repairs and restored pipes. Fortunately its not my day job but it is my passion. I am sure I would not be able to make a living repairing and selling restored pipes and most of the remaining pipe repair people i know are facing the same issues. If there is anything I can do to assist you in your quest please let me know. Your videos are great and we all miss your shop.
Good for you! The worst part for me is it’s an agreement between the retailers and the government. The consumer buying a product has no idea that the retailer is to turn around and give all their private information to the government. There’s nothing on the receipt, not even a sign on the door! That’s not right!
In the Republic of Ireland the tobacco is taxed out of the stratosphere. It costs about 35€ (about $40) for a single pouch. Most of my friends from the republic have to buy their tobacco from my home in Northern Ireland because it’s slightly cheaper. It’s utterly disgusting how the governments take more and more power that the people don’t want it to have. I pray that the US and European government gets a firm and swift reality check from the people who really represent their nation. Stay strong my brother. You’ve one again earned my admiration for your integrity.
what if you buy elsewhere in europe in bulk, at best together with friends or a whole community? depending on the tobacco the average pouch here in germany is around 10€
Here in Canada on th west cost, a 50gram pouch of Captain Black Royal (now sail royal), is going for $77.39 Canadian + 12% tax. No Bueno!!
Being in Canada I'm no stranger to $80 pipe tobacco tins (real price tag)! Usually 3 times a year I place an ~800 CAD order with smoking pipes, and bring in ~50 tins at a time. I'm thinking it's time to make that a bigger order, and start really importing some tobacco, maybe 200 - 250 tins / year. The reality is at 35, I will see quality tobacco become illegal, and the only true course of action is to store several decades worth on hand.
Dude, I ordered 4 tins from 4noggins one time and customs charged me duty, GST, and PST from a province I don't even live in. My $120 package turned into a $300. How the hell do you get away with a 50 tin order?! Teach me the way!
@@benharbak Get yourself a US Postal Box, they're easy enough to find with a search. Break your tobacco order into two shipments, 1 with 3 - 4 tins, Pipe Cleaners, etc... and the other is your LARGE order.
Have the small order read to inspect beside you, with the invoice, and stash / hide the large order, making sure your car / truck is clean to make it seem like you couldn't possibly hide anything.
When the border asks why you were in the US, be honest and say: "I had to get this package of tobacco." and show them the small box with the invoice.
I've never been stopped or quested, doing this.
That isn't anger, that's righteous indignation.
Thank you for taking a moral stand on the issue sir. Perhaps just make that issue known to your customers prior to them buying so that it is the customers choice and off of your conscience.
Keep fighting brother… honestly would love to see someone like you run for office. As crazy as that may sound, we NEED real people in government.
Problem is good people like that don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning an election unless they play ball with the party platform. Washington warned us not to get into political parties... should have listened.
I think you missed the point. U say leave it up to the customer. That is NOT the point or solution to the concern expressed.
Absolutely true! What is happening to you is only a symptom of what is happening to our country, and is an absolute shame! Just remember, you have the full support of one of the greatest, most loyal communities in America. Keep up the great work! 🔥🔥🔥
The situation sucks in Canada. Your two options are either buying a limited selection of tins in a B$M store for 60$, or buy cheap tobacco from the US online, but pay 30$ for shipping plus duties, so it comes up to the same price, if not more.
Meanwhile we have Pot shops opening on every block, in every suburb. We have more pot shops than McDonalds here, and only 2 tobacco shops which mostly cater to cigars.
I feel your pain brother! I'm in the process of opening a brick n mortar pipe and cigar shop in Wisconsin. I have to pay a 71% tax on all pipe tobacco and a 50 cent tax on every cigar, and I can not sell tobacco online. Luckily, pipes are not regulated and I do very well selling pipes online. At 71% tax, it will be impossible for me to price my pipe tobacco competitively with online retailers that are selling from less regulated states.
Am inspired by this and thank you!! I lived in So Cal for years and at 66, we just retired and moved back to NW Arkansas after many years. The Government cancer is growing my friend, but like you, I have planned well. Sitting on about 20+ pipes, mostly Savinelli and Peterson and have jard enough splendid baccy for years. I hope u succeed my friend, would love 2 buy from another American!! ALWAYS need more.
We need more professors like you.
I hate that it’s exactly what I expected. Now I see why so many stores and blend crafters just slammed their doors. Good on you for standing for the customer.
I truly love and appreciate the passion it is needed more often!! More men should speak up like you!!
Preach it Brother. I’ve seen you book shelf in your vids. I know your passions are fueled universal truths our forefathers knew well. Keep pushing the content and I pray you will find a way to reopen your store in some state. May we all find ourselves worthy of the traditions to which we are heir.
Don't ask what you can do for your country, Ask what your country can do for you .
Every single time I pick up my pipe I shed a tear for McClelland. The best tobacco I have ever had the chance to try. I discovered them too late. However, I am one of the lucky ones. I still have an unopened tin of Cellar.
Very well said Alan! Very true and frustrating what is happening to and affecting our great hobby. Stand firm with your ambitions!
Love the channel!! My goodness the intro music is amazing with headphones.
Good video keep fighting, you making a video teaching us about storing pipe tobacco long term would be good about now so we can stock up .you guys are in my prayers
I share your love of history, pipe, and teaching at the university level. This was going to be my original dream and path, but life interrupted. Please check out Bremen Piper on UA-cam. He is also a university professor I believe and possibly a history professor as well. His original goal was to produce content on pipe smoking, but also do it while going to historical landmarks and locations. You sir would bring great value with this as well I feel. If KY doesn't suit your needs, perhaps a state like VA with 123 historical landmarks and many parks, etc would suit your needs and passions? Thanks for all you do. You have my support.
I second checking out the Bremen piper. He has some very good content!
"We're here from the Government and we aren't even going to help you." Sheesh.
Well said Alan, as you say in the UK we get robbed blind for all tobacco products. A pack of 20 Marlboro is £13. A tin of pipe tobacco is £17 for a small 50g tin. Most of the cost is tax. The huge gov. Taxes have devastated many of our public houses who have had to close. £5 and more is not unusual for a pint of beer in a pub.
The world has gone to hell in a handbasket. Keep up the fight brother, as it appears the US tobacco market is going the same way as Canada, Australia and Europe.
@@thepipecottage3301 It's ironic in a state famous for its fine fire cured baccy that they are giving you the third degree hassle. Why the heck do they need names and addresses of people you sell to? Same kind of petty rubbish here to my friend. All our rolling tobacco is now sold in the same olive green packaging, no brand logos, and tiny writing in the corner in block capital letters telling the brand 😂. The rest of the pack contains graphic photos of advanced illness like cancer etc. It's like living in Orwell's 1984. Help! 😂 🙏
Australia - 1.7oz tin of pipe tobacco ? $130 !! That’s bullshit.
@@jonathonrowley3535 I knew it was dear in Australia but not as much as that! The government's have created 'tobacco price envy' between us. UK Envy US prices, Australia eye watering price compared to UK, astronomical compared to US!
Brother I’m so sorry to hear this. You’re a honorable gentleman who was treated wrong. You keep up the good content for gentlemen that still enjoy the thinking mans drug (tobacco).
I know exactly how you feel, and agree with all your points. I live in NE Florida and got into pipe smoking about two years ago. In my entire city (the largest by land mass in the U.S.) you can only find 2 stores that sell actual tobacco blends and anything worth smoking. Sure, most headshops have the 2$/lb extremely unpleasant tobacco, but theres nary a dedicated pipe tobacco store in reasonable distance. It's the same reason why there are few to no groups of pipe smokers that get together in the city and even state.
Great video. I'm growing tobacco myself this year. Learning to grow, cure, and blend. Trying to put myself in a position to say "No" to tyrants, while keeping my belly and pipe full.
Any information on curing pipe tobacco would be greatly appreciated. I have be growing last 2 years. Some pressing and curing. I will get better at it. Thanks.
@@snailcreekhomestead I'm just starting to hang some leaves up now. Curing is the tricky part. If it's too dry (and you harvest the leaves green) they can dry green. If it's too damp you'll get mold issues. It's very surprising to me how little information UA-cam has about this. There are instructional videos on nearly everything, but hardly any really good detailed info on tobacco curing.
Yes I know enough about cut and cure south east Indiana every body did tobacco till about 25 years ago. But like you said fermentation of pipe part is not much information at all. I have Virginia, Shirley and burly. Growing at this time. New sub on your Chanel. Thanks
Let me drop some words. As an introduction: I'm from Germany and I baught my first pipe (a Chacom) in the beginning of the 90's last century. My approach to taxes is not negativ as I want roads to be maintained, administration working and my salery as teacher in a public school being payed monthly. But nevertheless, let's look at some prices. Just recently I purchased two 100g tins of Rattray's, 20,90 EUR each. also a Mac Barren Mixture for 22,90 EUR per 100g. As I don't know how it is in the US with the pricing of tobacco, here each tin has a tax label indicating the price. The retailer cannot go under it or above. So where ever you're buying your tobacco (same applies for cigars and cigarettes) you will pay the same price. When I'm looking at the tax label of an old tin of Rattray's (should be older than 15 years) it was 15,35 EUR per 100g. I'd say that this rais is very fair compared to the other prices and their developpement over the last two decades.
Pipes... Of course when I got my first pipes it was easy to find one for 50-80 D-Mark (25-40 EUR) in reasonable quality. For my first Stanwell (a Facette) I had to pay 60 EUR what was expensive to me as a student. The Petersons were a little above that price tag depending on the line. If I remember well, I got my first one (a 999 rusticated) for 35 EUR. But that was back then, more than 30 years ago.
In the town I'm living (raound about 150.000 inhabitants) there's still a pipe and cigar retailer and several more stores that do sell pipe tobacco and some pipes. If living on the country side you either drive to the next town or you order online for practically the same price. Of course you have to pay for delivery what's not conveniant for a single tin of tobacco. But most of the small retailers, mostly shops selling a larger array of goods, would order your desired tobacco.
Now to something completely different. I absolutely agree on your position concerning customer privacy! That's a real no-go. It's fine if they ask for each bill to calculate but not for the private information of a customer. As far as I know, our tax administration doesn't ask for that. But: I'm not in the business.
Have a good smoke
Smashed that like button the moment “theft” left my man’s lips lol.
Well Said, I am very sorry to hear about the situation with your business. I agree with you 100 percent. We are in trying times. Prayers for wisdom, as we move forward.
God bless you for your staunch convictions and your willingness to stand your ground and not "bend the knee". This video shows me nearly everything I need to know about you as a person, as a man. Come down to Texas. San Antonio is very nice. If you need someone to vent to, let me know!
I enjoy your channel, and you’ve helped me return to my pipes after a 20+ year hiatus. I live in a bright blue yankee state that i seek to escape, (it’s changed in my lifetime) Its so blue that you could not mail me tobacco because my state prohibits any tobacco sale thats not face to face. It’s near impossible to get any good selection here. You’re a patriot, sir. I hope you find a way to start your small business. I’m pissed and sharing your story. Talk about govt overreach!
Thank you sir for your integrity, and being a true gentleman. I hope that there comes A Time when I can order fine pipe products from you.
I'm not really a conservative at all, but I do appreciate the craft of pipe tobacco and cigars. I don't so much like the big tobacco companies but businesses like yours are an attempt to reclaim that culture and bring it to the common people.
I'm with you 100%. We need the Bull back in the china closet to finish the job he started 6 years ago. Thank you for standing up and speaking out.
Keep fighting the good fight. You are not alone. As a follow Kentuckian I am outraged to hear the government wants to collect our personal information. Your content is appreciated and I hope you are am to find a work around.
To much interfering from governments including here in the U K they tax everything the prices are becoming more and more expensive, its ridiculous, keep up the good work Alan and keep fighting back whatever way you can .
Here here! Well said. Too many agencies with too much power. They only want huge online sales monopolies (A to Z comes to mind) and no retail shops.
God bless you Alan for your integrity and for the respect for the private information that you guard. Best of luck brother may God bless you and give you wisdom as you go forward.
Preach it! As a blacksmith, I can tell you that the problem with local, state, and federal government is not limited to just tobacco. What you've discovered is something long known by folks who've been in the game. It's a travesty, to be sure! The problem is what I've coined as "Tending Your Garden". If you look at US History, specifically as it relates to the Trades, something I'm particularly attuned with, you quickly see how it's been a steady campaign to destroy the fabric of the nation through a death of a thousand cuts. No single thing ever seemed so bad. Often, those things were sold to the people by tugging on the heartstrings, making them feel good about themselves. And while everyone talks about the straw that broke the camel's back, they never think about the millions straws that came beforehand and how all that burden prevented the camel from doing camel things.
It's good to see your eyes open. You seem like a good soul and we need more like you in this fight. Solidarity and Fraternity are the two key components. Our enemies have those two things in abundance, but our side is amazingly lacking. If we're to Tend Our Garden, we need to be willing to make hard decisions. Weeds must be pulled. Bunnies and Deer, cute as they may be, have no place in the Garden, and must, therefore, be fenced out. If you talk like that, you will be called mean names. Even your own family will attack you. Be ready for it. Think long and hard about whether you are willing to be worthy of what you've inherited.
Hi❗🙋🏻♂️This is Devjit Raxit from India once again. First of all, let me congratulate you and thank you for choosing the Smokey Mountains as your location❗I mean I can literally feel that nice n easy breeze blowing the leaves behind... just excellent ❗I want add a couple of blends that I enjoyed the aroma ( leaves a nice room note as well )... One is the Amphora, and the other one being Borkum Riff Cherry Cavendish...👍
Stay strong brother. Don't give up!
I am going to smoke a bowl of my favorite tobacco today in solidarity.
Have you filled a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) yet? That's a way to try and get the information to your questions they refused to answer.
But you are correct. It's every industry, not just the tobacco industry.
I wholeheartedly agree with your video. John Stossel when he Had a TV show showed the process of trying to get a license to sell at a kiosk in New York City and the rigmarole and cost compared to Hong Kong. It took days and weeks of preparation for New York and Hong Kong he just walked in the $75 and had his permit. That’s a course before the red Chinese took it over.
I live in Florida and Palm Beach County, Broward county, and Martin County do not have any brick and mortar stores for pipe tobacco or pipes. I’m not sure about Miami. This is a shame this is a disgrace that our industry is dying.
Well spoken, my friend.
Thank you for your input.
It is the same reason my hobby, stamp collecting, is dying. Young people are not taking it up. Sadly, these things are not considered ''hip'' today. Sad.
Thank you for the great video!!!
I'm in Canada, Western Canada specifically, and recently thought I might take up pipe smoking after being a nonsmoker of any kind for approximately 50 years... since I was a young man in fact. I went ahead but was shocked through the process by several things. Firstly, the shear rarity of pipes and the accompanying necessities, and secondly by the current price of tobacco (if and when one can find it)! I paid $65 CAD for a pouch!!! ... and discovered that that was not a bad deal!!! You could have knocked me down with a feather. As a result, I'm limiting my indulgence to only a few times per week and, even then, only a half bowl or so per session. It's become a rich man's activity it appears.
Thank you for sharing your experience and informing us of these laws and regulations . Good luck on opening your future business. Please keep fighting for freedom.
The accent, the intellect, the resolve: You’re bound to be a Utube success!
Dang guy, that is crazy stuff. If we replaced our entire government with golden retrievers, we could actually get something done.
Unfortunately, our government is staffed by GOLD retrievers and banker-bedfellows.
Where can you be reached for podcast interview requests?
Wow this was a totally different side of you and it was great to see. I'm in the UK where laws and regulations are generally stricter than they are in the USA. I have the same opinion about government and taxes as you. Our freedom is being taken from us every day.
In Washington State we can't even buy pipe tobacco online. The government said it was "too easy for minors to buy tobacco that way" but we all know it's for the taxes. The only way for us to get it is to go to a local pipe shop and get good blends or tinned tobacco. Its ok to a point but when they tax the local pipe shop into closing then what are we supposed to do. Also, sometimes we want to get the good internet price for the same tobacco. We can also go to the local tobacco store and get the cheap gross "pipe" tobacco they sell but who really wants that stuff. It's frustrating. Liberty is being threatened by both sides (Dems and GOP) and it's getting to a point where we won't have any left.
My husband and I just watched this video. Thank you. We should have a tobacco pipe and cigar March on Washington! I'd go. I bet it would be the most diverse and most amazing peaceful gathering the country has seen in decades. It would smell really good too.
Nicely put, brother!
That governmental entity requiring customers' information is a violation of the "Freedom of Information Act."
Wow that's a pretty powerful video thank you.
I think you need to look for a Tobacco Retailers Association in the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky and speak with them. Something doesn't seem Kosher.
I Thank you for standing up for your rights and can't believe that the government threatening you. If you open up a tobacco shop I will purchase from you .
You hit the nail right on the head deep down I wonder if tobacco pipes or smoking pipes are required to share our info with the government ? Also any chance you will be at the Ohio pipe show?
The big 3 online retailers are in the least regulated states. That's why they can sell tins at $9.99 online. In my state, I'm not even allowed to sell tobacco online. Even with a Distributor's License.
I’ve watched many of your videos and you have earned my first like. I would like to know more about your thoughts. I speculate much but can’t put my finger on it.
This is the best video I have ever seen and listen to.
A cigar smoker from Canada. I feel you. Here in Canada too government comes up with ridiculous regulations for tobacco.
Once you open you got my full
support 👍
I don't agree with everything you said but you have my full respect for sticking to your morals.
Also you're 'line in the sand' of not giving contact details without a full explanation of how they are to be used is wonderful and I wish more people had your moral integrity.
Nobody talks about this, but the real problem here is that pipe tobacco IS NOT separated from cigarettes. Since Big Tobacco was proven to be actively killing their customers by adding chemicals, additional nicotine, etc. to cigarettes, the government (and non-smokers) have been all over tobacco. Until we can get some separation from that, the pipe industry is going to suffer from the sins of the Big Tobacco cigarette industry. I get in conversations all the time where I have to explain to people that pipe tobacco isn't treated like cheap cigarette tobacco--that any nicotine in it is natural, that additives (other than flavoring/casing/topping) aren't typically used, etc. The tobacco industry needs to step up and separate itself from Big Tobacco and start educating the public--and, therefore, the government--about pipe tobacco and smoking. Then maybe we can get the feds off our backs.
I do believe that there is a senator that toutes the importance of our privacy and I do believe that you have an opportunity to voice your concerns to them. I do realize and recognize that our government has gotten too big, but I also believe that the day is coming when “WE THE PEOPLE” will step up once again and confront tyranny!
Thank you Allen and keep up the good fight!
What a great post! My woman thinks that i am absolutely crazy about cellaring tobacco, at the rate that i do! But the one thing that i can say is the briar will always filled! The damn government is absolutely out of control 😒 at the federal and state level! Keep on cellaring and piping ytpc!
I appreciate you protecting your customers.
There was a reason why I liked you from the get go. There was something there, something I felt, and today after watching this my opinion of you is confirmed. I want to say more there is so much to air, but hardly anything that you have not already covered. Rather than regurgitate what you have already covered in a less eloquent manner, god bless you, a dying breed.
That song comes to mind, bye bye miss American pie, that damn song always made me sad listening to it, and now it has become reality.
Amen brother…you are 110% correct about govt over-reach and losing our individual freedoms. It’s a sad commentary on the current and future state of affairs.