Tobacco ban in pharmacies within San Francisco. Can we do more?

William Atkins
Wednesday, 10 September 2008 18:30

Opinion and Analysis

A recent ban of tobacco sales in San Francisco (California) pharmacies has Walgreen’s stating it is discriminatory to ban tobacco sales in pharmacies but to allow tobacco sales in grocery stores that include pharmacies. Is it discriminatory? Is there a better solution to the problem?


The San Francisco Chronicle states, “In July, San Francisco became the first city in the nation to ban the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies such as Walgreens and Rite Aid, saying sick people getting their prescriptions filled shouldn't be faced with cancer-causing products sitting nearby.” [SFC: “Walgreens seeks to stop S.F. tobacco ban”]

And, I agree!

In the September 10, 2008 Wall Street Journal article “Walgreen Fights Tobacco Ban,” it is stated, “In the legal challenge, filed in California Superior court, the Deerfield, Ill., drug-store chain [Walgreen] alleges the new law is anticompetitive and unconstitutional, because it doesn't ban tobacco sales at grocery stores and wholesale clubs that also have pharmacies.”

Walgreen spokesperson Michael Polzin says, "This is about basic fairness, singling out drug stores and not other retailers with pharmacies.” [WSJ]

And, again, I agree!

So, here is a possible remedy to the whole situation.

I suggest that the U.S. federal government, or all fifty of the U.S. states individually, ban tobacco sales everywhere EXCEPT in stores exclusively selling tobacco and tobacco-related products.

Period.

I’m sure pro-smoking people, along with the tobacco industry, will be against such a law.

However, let me tell you why I think this is a good idea.

Please read page two.