While the World Health Organization works to curb tobacco use around the world, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce fights anti-smoking laws in America and countries abroad.
As a result of the U.S. Chamber’s stance on tobacco use, CVS Health Corporation recently resigned from the organization. In September of 2014, the retailer enacted a ban on tobacco sales in their stores as it shifted to more health conscious stance for its customers. In contrast, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its foreign affiliates have “targeted restrictions, often in developing countries, on smoking in public spaces, bans on menthol and slim cigarettes, advertising restrictions, excise tax increases, plain packaging and graphic warning labels.”
CVS now offers programs to help customers quit smoking, helping individuals to live a longer, healthier life. It is also believed that the cessation of smoking tobacco will reduce costs in the U.S. Health Care system.
Anti-smoking efforts are taking effect across the country, with Healdsburg, California recently raising the legal smoking age to 21 – a law that other states have already enacted. Despite strides being made in America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce actively works to lobby for the tobacco industry in developing countries. The Chamber portrays to countries around the world that protecting tobacco companies is “vital for a nation’s economic health.” But what about the health of an individual? This is not a concern of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, when it clearly should be.
Source: The New York Times
