Stop enticing the next generation to smoke

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Letter to the Editor
Daily Gazette

My 5th grader recently asked me, “Did you know that tobacco companies spend over $400 million a year to market their products in New York?” and “Do you think tobacco ads target kids?” My answer: yes and yes.

My daughter was completing an assigned page in her health notebook — a good indication that the school district sees the importance of teaching students not only to avoid smoking but to be wary of the tobacco industry’s marketing.

It’s a shame that not all grocery stores and pharmacies see the same importance. As I shop for my family (sometimes with kids in tow), I see cigarette cartons and brand logos prominently displayed in “Tobacco Centers” at grocery stores or behind the counter in pharmacies.

First, it’s crazy that pharmacies — which dispense products to improve health — also sell those that are the leading cause of preventable death. One ad campaign to stop the sale of tobacco in pharmacies says it best: “To help a persistent cough, go to Aisle 8. To get a persistent cough, go to Aisle 14.” At the very least, tobacco products should be kept out of sight, as studies have shown that retail cigarette advertising increases the likelihood that youth will start smoking.

In the past year, Price Chopper made the decision to cover up all of its tobacco displays because it did not want to entice the next generation of smokers. Kudos to the Golubs for putting the health of the community ahead of profits!

Unless current trends are interrupted, more than 5 million children will die prematurely from smoking-related illness. For their sake, I urge Hannaford, CVS, Rite Aid and other grocery stores and pharmacies to cover up tobacco products or, even better, to stop selling tobacco.

Jeanie Orr

Niskayuna