Yesterday, CVS shocked the nicotine-addicted world when they announced they would be pulling all tobacco products from their stores’ shelves.
Perhaps the most surprising part about this announcement is how surprising it is. After all, we all know that cigarettes are bad for your health. Eve those who don’t smoke deal with their negative side effects. Many cities across the country have banned cigarettes from restaurants, bars, and other public spaces.
Yet still they’re readily available, and even at stores like CVS and Walgreens, no more than a few yards away from their pharmacies. Those are some serious mixed messages.
As a non-smoker, and seriously annoyed secondhand smoke victim (upwind bus stop smokers, I’m talking to you), I agree with CVS’s decision. Even if I don’t understand it.
It’s not like smokers will suddenly find the idea of having to go to another convenience store just too much to handle, and give up smoking altogether. It’s also not like smoking and tobacco products will suddenly be illegal. The government may seem stupid sometimes, but they know where a lot of their tax money is coming from.
Even if it is a bit confusing, and possibly just a publicity stunt. Overall, it’s a good thing. So after all that deliberation, well done, CVS.
____________________________________
More on the Story: Christian Science Monitor
…just for fun:
