New York, NY – On the heels of CVS Caremark’s decision to no longer sell tobacco products in its stores, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) issued a challenge to Walgreens, the owner of Duane Reade Pharmacies, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Rite Aid Corp and other national pharmacy chains that do business in New York State.

“CVS has thrown down the gauntlet,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “Now, I urge Walgreens, and other national pharmacy chains, to follow CVS’ lead and stop selling tobacco products, here in New York State and across the country. Though companies may experience a temporary dip in revenue from the move, sometimes the bottom line must be about something more than just dollars and cents, and in this case it is: it’s about human lives.”

“Selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at pharmacies is completely inconsistent with the health-oriented business model, and CVS has taken a tremendous step forward in the battle against cancer and other smoking-related illnesses. I applaud CVS for its leadership and call upon its competitors to follow suit to help save lives.”

New York has always been a leader when it comes to anti-smoking initiatives. New York City was the first city in the nation to raise the minimum age at which an individual may purchase cigarettes to 21 years old. Assemblymember Rosenthal is the sponsor of bill A.7105, which would raise the minimum purchase age to 21 years old statewide. In addition, New York City has also expanded the provisions of the New York City Smoke Free Air Act to include electronic cigarettes. Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal is the sponsor of bill A.8178, which would similarly extend the coverage of the State Clean Indoor Air Act to include electronic cigarettes. New York State and City’s combined cigarette taxes are the highest in the nation, and in New York City, smoking has been banned in public parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas.

“CVS has said that it will stop selling cigarettes in October 2014, said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “This gives other party chains ample time to adjust their policies as well.”