Beginning on Tuesday, January 1 NYC pharmacies won’t be allowed to sell any tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
According to the a report by the Wall Street Journal, the ban will not only include pharmacies, but also businesses that have a pharmacy within it—so supermarkets and big stores.
The Health Department says it will affect roughly 500 pharmacies currently selling tobacco products. According to the city health department, they want to support “laws that protect the health of residents from the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.” Much like the one passed earlier this year banning e-cigarettes. Their goals are to:
- Improve compliance and strengthen smoke-free air laws.
- Reduce youth access to tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
- Restrict the availability of discounted or untaxed tobacco products.
To a healthier New Year!
featured image source: istockphoto.com