American Vantage board member passes away

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- American Vantage Companies ("AVCS" or the "Company") (AVCS.OB), mourns the loss of Board Member Audrey K. Tassinari, who passed away this week.

On behalf of the Company, condolences are extended to her husband, Ronald J. Tassinari, and the entire Tassinari family.

"We are extremely shocked and saddened by Audrey's sudden passing," stated Anna M. Morrison, AVCS Chief Accounting Officer. "Audrey was a pragmatic and thoughtful businessperson with a passion for service to the Company. We will greatly miss her."

Mrs. Tassinari has been a director of the Company since March 1985 and served as the Company's Executive Vice President from April 1986 until July 2002. During her tenure as an officer of the Company, she was responsible for the management and employee training programs at Table Mountain Casino that grew from approximately 45 employees in 1989 to 850 employees by 1999. From 1973 to 1985, she held key management positions in the hotel and casino industry. She was born and educated in the United Kingdom.

Honoring the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to one of Audrey's favorite charities, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (4850 W. Flamingo Road, #25, Las Vegas, NV, 89103). Donations should be marked "In Memory of Audrey Tassinari."