09.03.14

Durbin Applauds Newly Rebranded "CVS Health" Decision to Stop Tobacco Sales

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today after CVS Health – newly rebranded from CVS Caremark – announced that it would stop selling tobacco products – including e-cigarettes – in its stores today. Earlier this year, CVS announced plans to remove tobacco products by October 2014. Today, the company announced that it would be following through on those plans more than a month ahead of schedule.

“Earlier this year, CVS made a commitment to the health and wellbeing of its customers and pledged to remove tobacco products from its shelves. Today – more than one full month ahead of schedule – CVS has followed through on that promise, and set out to prove what many of us already believe: that looking out for the long-term well-being of their customers isn't just good for public health, it is also good business. This decision will not only have a positive impact on today's smokers, but may also help prevent kids from ever starting a deadly habit.,” said Durbin. “I applaud CVS for their leadership on this issue, and I hope other retailers across the country will follow their example.”