Albany County Legislature Votes To Block Tobacco Sales In Pharmacies

Albany County lawmakers voted 21-17 last night to become the first community in New York to block the sale of tobacco products in retail stores that contain licensed pharmacies. The ban would apply to all major pharmacy chains as well as other stores, like supermarkets, that contain pharmacies. Fines would start at $200 and go as high as $1,000 per violation. The legislation now heads to County Executive Dan McCoy’s desk for his signature. However, a spokesperson for McCoy says he plans to review it and hold a public hearing.