San Francisco Ban on Pharmacy Tobacco Sales Will Move Forward
A San Francisco judge on Tuesday ruled that the city can move forward with a law that will ban cigarette sales in pharmacies, denying a request by pharmacy chain Walgreen to block the measure (AP/Sacramento Bee, 9/30).
The law, which takes effect today, exempts grocery and "big box" stores that contain pharmacies.
Walgreen plans to appeal the decision. Attorneys for the company said the law would violate equal protection provisions and harm the company financially.
Attorneys for the city said the sale of tobacco at pharmacies "sends an implicit message that smoking is acceptable" (San Jose Mercury News, 9/30).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.