CVS Caremark is kicking the habit of selling tobacco products at
its more than 7,600 drugstores nationwide.
The nation's second-largest drugstore chain says it will phase
out cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco by Oct. 1 as it continues to focus
more on health care.
CVS Caremark Corp. and other major drugstore chains have been
adding clinics to their stores for several years. Their pharmacists deliver flu
shots and other immunizations, and their clinics also have been expanding the
care they deliver.
CVS CEO Larry Merlo says the company decided it can no longer
sell cigarettes at places where it also provides health care.
The move will cost the Woonsocket ,
R.I.
