This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — One of the best ways to get cigarettes out of the hands of young adults — and anyone, for that matter — is to make it more difficult to access.
One of the best ways to do that is to reduce the number of businesses that sell cigarettes.
Nationally, CVS Pharmacy took a big step when it chose to no longer sell tobacco products a few years ago, but locally, it’s an uphill battle.
One such success story, though, came last year, when Boggs Automotive on Center Street in Warsaw discontinued cigarette sales at the same time they quit selling gas and chose to focus more on automotive services.
Julie Tuinstra, who co-owns Boggs Pit Stop and Automotive, said they were glad to stop the practice.
Declining gas sales led to falling concessions sales, so to a certain degree, it was an easy decision.
But it was also good for her conscience.
“It’s hard to sell something when you don’t agree with it,” said Truinsta. “There’s nothing healthy about smoking when you don’t agree with it, so I’m kind of proud to get rid of that.”
Convincing other retailers, though, remains an uphill battle. Such victories are few and far between, according to Melanie Wilhite, the director of Kosciusko Cares.
“To be honest, no, I have not seen a big movement in people not selling tobacco,” Wilhite said.
Kosciusko Cares works to develop strategies to encourage youths to stop
“We go around to retailers and stuff and try to get signage up, but … kids are vaping like never before. Let’s be honest,” she said.
At the same time, the curtailing of tobacco products outside of Indiana is not unheard of.
On the East Coast, a major grocery chain, Stop & Shop, ended all cigarettes and tobacco sales at its 360 properties in late 2024.
Public opinion seems to support further limits.
According to the CDC, a recent survey showed 57% of respondents supported a policy prohibiting the sale of all tobacco products.
To learn more, go to Kosciuskocares.org.
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