The governor of Massachusetts recently vetoed a proposed provision to the state’s budget that attempted to protect cigar bars from being restricted or closed by local health boards. In writing about why he vetoed the section, Gov. Deval Patrick said, "I am vetoing this section because it prevents local officials from protecting the public health of their citizens." 

The budget provision, if passed, would have protected cigar bars in cities with 150,000 or more people. "The great thing about this country is that you can choose where you go and what you do and how you live your life,'' said Brandon Salomon, the owner of Cigar Masters in Boston, told the Boston Globe. "If they do this, they should eliminate cars and McDonald's and all sorts of other things they say are bad for you.''