Ban on Tobacco Sales at County Pharmacies

To the Editor:

Jan. 17, 2017 — The Rockland County Legislature this evening unanimously passed a bill that would prohibit pharmacies in the county from selling cigarettes and other tobacco products.

We applaud the Rockland County Legislature for their passage of this important public health measure.

Tobacco and pharmacies simply don’t mix. Pharmacies are a trusted part of our health system and it makes sense for pharmacies to help people quit smoking rather than serve as a spot to promote starting and maintaining this deadly addiction.

This is a major step forward in reducing the availability of tobacco products to those struggling to quit smoking as well as those who could be tempted to start, including children.

A pharmacy is a place that is supposed to support wellness. We ask County Executive Ed Day to sign this bill into law as soon as he can.

Julie Hart

Director of Government Relations

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New York