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North Andover Health Department
Community Development Division
June 21, 2012
Rite Aid #10117
Attn: Licensing Department
P.O. Box 3165
Harrisburg, PA 17105
RE: Consideration of Request to Discontinue Tobacco Sales in Pharmacies
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter serves to inform you that the North Andover Board of Health recently considered an
amendment of the local tobacco sales regulation. The Board's primary interest in this matter is to
limit the access of under -age youths to cigarette products. A report by the US Surgeon General in
March 2012 describes an epidemic of tobacco use among youth ages 12 through 17 and young
adults ages 18 to 25. Tobacco use by youth and young adults leads to nicotine addiction, which
can lead to severe health consequences. These effects include cardiovascular damage, reduction
of lung function, and development of various cancers. One-third of youth who smoke into
adulthood will die prematurely from smoking.
The Board considers that the sale of tobacco is inconsistent with the mission of a health care
institution, such as a pharmacy, where medical advice and services are dispensed. The Board is
concerned that the prominent display and sale of tobacco products in a pharmacy, or other health
care facility, sends an approving message to the public, and to the more impressionable youth,
that tobacco use is really not an unhealthy activity.
At the April meeting, the Board considered a regulation to prohibit the sale of tobacco products
in local pharmacies. We prefer to maintain a cooperative approach to health matters and have
chosen not to enact such a regulation at this time. We are asking that you consider a
discontinuation of tobacco sales in your establishment, in consideration of the above points, and
replace them with health promoting products. In lieu of this step, consider removing tobacco
sales display from a prominent position in your counter area.
Page 1 of 2
North Andover Health Department, 1600 Osgood Street, Building 20, Suite 2-36,
North Andover, MA 01845 Phone: 978.688.9540 Fax: 978.688.8476
Tobacco Sales in Pharmacies
June 19, 2012
If you are unable to perform the above, we ask for a reasonable explanation of your store's need
to maintain the current sales display. The Board is very interested in this matter, and we ask for
your written reply by July 16, 2012, after which the Board expects to consider this matter again.
You may send your feedback and explanation to: healthdeptktownofnorthandover.com. If you
have any questions with regard to this request, please call the Health Department directly at: 978-
688-9540, and speak with Susan Sawyer, Public Health Director. Thank you for your careful
consideration of this important health issue.
Sincerely,
`. e.
Thomas A. a Trowbrid DDS MD
Trowbridge, >
Board of Health Chairman, Town of North Andover
cc: File
Local Store Manager
Board of Health Members
Page 2 of 2
North Andover Health Department, 1600 Osgood Street, Building 20, Suite 2-36,
North Andover, MA 01845 Phone: 978.688.9540 Fax: 978.688.8476