Rockland Becomes First NY County to Ban Sale of Tobacco Products at Pharmacies

ORANGEBURG, NY — Rockland County is the first in the state to ban the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies, and students at Tappan Zee High School had a lot to do with it.

County Executive Ed Day went to the school Friday to sign the bill, which was passed by the County Legislature by a vote of 15-0 in January.

The bill was sponsored by Legislator Nancy Low-Hogan, whose district includes the South Orangetown school district. She took part in the ceremony, along with Legislators Harriet Cornell, Toney Earl and Aney Paul.

"It doesn't make sense that a place we go to pick up a prescription or other item intended to boost our health would also be a place that sells a product that can damage our health,” Low-Hogan said when she introduced the measure last month. “It sends a confusing message to people, and especially to children and teens, about the real threats posed to their health by tobacco products.”

The County Executive thanked many people for their help, including the Rockland Department of Health, POW’R Against Tobacco, the American Lung Association, and the schools, particularly Tappan Zee High School nurse Judy Flagg.

“The idea that started right here in Tappan Zee High School is now law and I wouldn't be surprised if other municipalities follow this example,” the County Executive told students. “All of you here at Tappan Zee High School can take pride in your considerable accomplishments that will leave a lasting mark on Rockland and the rest of the state.”

He praised them for exercising their rights in a democracy to approach elected officials and ask them to consider the legislation.

“You have learned your lessons about government and the ability of one person or one group to make a difference,” Day told students.

He also confessed that he used to be a smoker until he kicked the habit more than 20 years ago. “Tobacco is very addictive,” he told students. “It’s not easy to quit. That’s why the best strategy is not to start in the first place.”

Scott Hobson, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's New York grassroots manager, released a statement afterward:

“County Executive Day and the Rockland County Legislature understand that pharmacies are in business to support wellness, not offer products that actually put health and lives at risk. Pharmacies should be helping people quit smoking and not encouraging people to start or continue the deadly addiction.
"This is a good step forward in reducing the availability of dangerous tobacco products to Rockland County residents and visitors including young people.
“Those who have supported the measure understand that a pharmacy is a place that is supposed to support wellness. We must stop placing obstacles in front of those who want to quit using tobacco. We thank County Executive Day and the county legislature for this important new law.”

The law carries a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation. The county Health Commissioner will have sole jurisdiction to enforce it.

SEE: Ban on Tobacco Sales at County Pharmacies

PHOTOS:

• from left - Students Julia Moser, Jessica Ragonesi, Elmer Ryan and recent graduate Caitlin Capri Neier with County Executive Ed Day
  
• Legislators Nancy Low-Hogan, Harriet Cornell, County Executive Ed Day, Toney Earl and Aney Paul