Retailer Terms | Ashology Challenge

These terms apply to smoke shops participating in the 16-cigar Connecticut Ashology Challenge pilot. There is no minimum player count per shop and no shop enrollment cap.

Age-restricted retail

The store affirms it will operate in compliance with all applicable 21+ tobacco laws, including required ID checks. The platform does not describe cigars as free samples.

Inventory & Display Requirements

Existing inventory counts. Stock all 16 exact tournament SKUs, group the boxes in one dedicated display and place the featured pair on the counter. Fill any gaps through your preferred supplier. One-time Program Package: $199; any approved credit is confirmed at signup.

Physically stock all 16 exact tournament SKUs, including the specified sizes. Existing inventory counts, and gaps may be filled through the shop’s preferred supplier.
Group the 16 tournament boxes in one dedicated display.
During each featured matchup’s promotion, place that matchup’s two boxes side by side on the counter. Duplicate stock is not required.
Keep open selections available and replenish advancing cigars.

Participation is confirmed with a SKU and display verification checklist completed by organizer staff, recording the verifier and the verification date. No distributor invoice is required to participate.

Program Package

Each participating shop pays a one-time Program Package fee of $199.00. Any credit must be approved by the organizer; the approved credit, the amount due and the approver are recorded and confirmed with the shop at signup. Credits are not applied automatically based on supplier or distributor customer status.

Team-prize eligibility

To qualify for the team prize, the shop must meet the inventory and display requirements above and accumulate at least 200 valid individual cigar evaluations across the tournament. Shop scoring uses the seven highest player scores in each of the four tournament stages.

Verification

Store registrations are submitted for verification. Official Challenge Location status and acceptance of teams require organizer approval.

Competition integrity

Stores and staff must not manipulate scores, create duplicate participant accounts, or improperly influence preference votes. The Official Rules govern scoring, standings, and integrity reviews.