Report: Shoppers Drug Mart in Port Alberni, B.C., bans tobacco products

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — Joining many Canadian pharmacies, a Shoppers Drug Mart in British Columbia’s Port Alberni has decided to stop selling tobacco products, according to a local news report.



According an article by the Alberni Valley Times, owner Bijan Mahmoudi expects to lose $10,000 to $15,000 in profits from the ban of cigarettes but said it’s the right move to help patients live healthier lives.



Despite efforts by the College of Pharmacists of B.C., British Columbia remains the only Canadian province that allows tobacco to be sold in stores that have pharmacies.



Top executives of several pharmacy retailers in British Columbia — including London Drugs, Safeway and Rexall — last year threatened to take legal action against the College of Pharmacists of B.C. if tries to block tobacco sales in their stores on the grounds that the college would be exceeding its powers and jurisdiction, as previously reported by the Vancouver Sun.