Boston

S 1094 introduced by State Sen. Susan Fargo, would ban the sale of cigarettes from any store that contains a pharmacy.

Bill supporters say a statewide restriction of tobacco sales will send a more consistent public health message. But retailers who oppose the plan said it is not government’s role to tell store owners they cannot sell a legal product – one which creates tax revenue with the cigarette sales tax, retailers said.

We agree with the retailers, when have we ever banned the sales of a heavily taxed legal product? Never. This is not a good precedent to set. What’s next? Soft drinks, cookies, potato chips, hot dogs the list sould be endless!