Military Exchange Stores Consider Ceasing Tobacco Sales

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The U.S. Navy is considering banning the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products at Navy and Marine Corps exchange stores.

According to NBC News, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus met with his staff last week to examine the impact a tobacco ban would have. The move would be part of an effort to improve the fitness culture in the military.

A new policy could be implemented as soon as Oct. 1, the news source reported. However, many factors still need to be determined, including whether the services would ban tobacco sales only on installations in the United States or extend the ban overseas. Also being considered is whether tobacco products will be banned in combat zone bases.

The Navy has already eliminated price subsidies for tobacco products. "We've already taken one step by ending price subsidies for tobacco products, and Secretary Mabus has asked his staff to look at additional ways to improve the health and readiness of our force," Commander Tamara Lawrence, spokesman for Mabus, told the news outlet. "We are in the early stages of the process."

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds