Removing tobacco products
Apr 27, 2007
Author: Dr. Edward B. Armington

President J. Whissell observed that pharmacists witness daily the negative results of tobacco use and its related illnesses. "Pharmacists support individuals who want to stop smoking by offering smoking cessation programs, counselling and support." Greg Eberhart, the college's registrar, said, "In 1999, 77 per cent of pharmacists responding to our survey indicated that sales of tobacco products should not be permitted in pharmacies." Since that time, many pharmacies have voluntarily removed tobacco products from their premises. "Pharmacists are health professionals and pharmacies are health centres," said Eberhart. "It is a contradiction to offer health care services and to sell tobacco products." ACP's stand is supported by the results of a college survey of Albertans completed in early 2007. Overall, 67 per cent of Albertans said "no" when asked if a store in which a pharmacy is located should sell tobacco products. Seniors weighed even higher against selling tobacco products at 69.8 per cent for respondents who were 65 to 74 years old and 82.7 per cent for individuals aged 75 years and older.
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