Suffolk County, NY approved a bill this week that would end tobacco sales in all pharmacies in the county. The vote passed 16-1-1. In addition to conventional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, this law will also restrict the sale of vape products and e-liquids.

Selling tobacco products in pharmacies sends a mixed message about the safety and acceptability of these products. It also impedes quit attempts for those buying tobacco cessation materials at their local pharmacies. Some large chains have already removed tobacco products from their stores nationwide, and many small private pharmacies around the state have already removed tobacco products from their shelves, as selling tobacco contradicts the mission of improving the health of the community.

Erie County, Rockland County, Albany County, and New York City have also implemented tobacco-free pharmacy policies.

For news coverage of the new Suffolk County Law, visit
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/suffolk-salt-tax-credit-1.29613027

For more information about tobacco-free pharmacies, visit
https://tobaccopolicycenter.org/documents/PharmacyMixedMessages.pdf