CVS announced today that they will stop selling cigarettes at all of their stores by October 1st. Not only will they no longer be carrying the cancer sticks, starting this spring they will launch programs that will help people who want to kick the disgusting habit.
This will cost the pharmaceutical billions of dollars and they are OK with that. CVS Caremark CEO, Larry Merlo, explained his decision
CBS Morning News why he is putting health before financial gain, “Well we generate about $2 billion in tobacco and related sales, but at the same time, we believe this is the right decision for our company. It positions us for future growth and the opportunity to play a greater role in our evolving healthcare system.”
As a former smoker, I applaud their decision. I hope other companies will follow suit because we need to get rid of smoking. The only reason why tobacco is still being sold because of all the money it generates. Should we put money ahead of human lives? I think not. Plus the world will smell so much better if it doesn’t smell like smokers.
