Operation Choke Point, the government program that seeks to keep select types of businesses out of the banking system, is once again targeting the cigar industry, and for the first time has gone after a cigar manufacturer. The Florida-based manufacturer, who has requested anonymity, received a letter dated July 20 from PNC Bank informing that they had 30 days to close its accounts, including destroying credit cards, ending any automatic payments and withdrawing funds, according to Kevin “Kip” Talley, senior director of federal legislative affairs for the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers’ Association (IPCPR). He added that the company had been with PNC since 2012, and it was the first time he had seen a bank provide a 30-day window, as previously the standard had been just 10 days. That manufacturer has since found a new bank. Talley added that two additional retailers have come forward believing that they have been targeted by Operation Choke Point, one in Florida and one in Michigan. That brings the number of stores who have contacted the IPCPR to seven, as these two join five others who stepped forward in 2014. With these businesses believing they have been targeted by Operation Choke Point, Talley has contacted the U.S. ...
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