NYT: CVS Health resigning from U.S. Chamber over position on tobacco products

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health is reportedly withdrawing its membership from the United States Chamber of Commerce over the chamber’s stance on smoking, according to The New York Times.



CVS Health, which pulled the plug on tobacco products last year, made its decision after learning that the chamber and its foreign affiliates were embarking on a global lobbying campaign against antismoking laws, the NYT reported. That lobbying activity runs counter to CVS Health’s mission to improve public health.



According to the NYT, the chamber and its network of foreign affiliates targeted restrictions on smoking in public spaces, bans on menthol and slim cigarettes, advertising restrictions, excise tax increases, plain packaging and graphic warning labels, and often in developing countries.



The chamber stated that it does not support smoking but is looking to defend its members’ business interests, the NYT reported.