Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has vetoed a proposed law that would have prohibited the sale of tobacco products in licensed health care institutions, pharmacies and retail establishments containing a pharmacy in Albany County - this isn't the end of the line for local anti-tobacco legislation.
In vetoing Local Law D, McCoy explained the measure lacks three things: an enforcing agency, a collection procedure for fines and the prerequisite licensing law that would allow Albany County to regulate cigarette sales. He added that even if the legal flaws were addressed, the law's effect would be to redirect consumers to stores without pharmacies.
McCoy issued an Executive Order directing the County Attorney to prepare the necessary and appropriate licensure legislation that would include a ban on the DISPLAY of tobacco products in pharmacies and in retail stores with pharmacies. No timetable was given.
