ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Attorneys general from 28 states and
U.S. territories have written to the chief executives of major U.S.
pharmacy chains urging them to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco
products.
Following the decision by CVS Caremark to stop selling
tobacco in its stores, the chains Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Safeway
and Kroger are being asked to follow suit.
New York Attorney
General Eric Schneiderman says pharmacies increasingly market themselves
as sources for community health care, sending "a mixed message" by
continuing to sell "deadly tobacco products."
Ohio Attorney
General Mike DeWine says voluntary decisions by the national retailers
will also help keep tobacco away from youths.
According to Schneiderman’s office, the attributable health care costs of smoking are at least $289
billion annually.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Attorneys general from 28 states and
U.S. territories have written to the chief executives of major U.S.
pharmacy chains urging them to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco
products.
Following the decision by CVS Caremark to stop selling
tobacco in its stores, the chains Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Safeway
and Kroger are being asked to follow suit.
New York Attorney
General Eric Schneiderman says pharmacies increasingly market themselves
as sources for community health care, sending "a mixed message" by
continuing to sell "deadly tobacco products."
Ohio Attorney
General Mike DeWine says voluntary decisions by the national retailers
will also help keep tobacco away from youths.
According to Schneiderman’s office, the attributable health care costs of smoking are at least $289
billion annually.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.