Tobacco-free Co-op

As members of the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society (Co-op Food Stores), we applaud the Co-ops role as a responsible corporate citizen and agent of positive social change in the Upper Valley region. We feel, however, that the sale of tobacco products sharply contradicts the Co-ops mission to serve the community while remaining committed to high ethical standards. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products are unequivocally harmful to all who use them, and passive exposure to the smoke released by burning tobacco is now known to be harmful to bystanders as well (see the Surgeon Generals 2006 report on the health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke). The tragic results of tobacco use can be seen on a daily basis in the hospitals, physicians offices, and public clinics that serve the Upper Valley, and it is clear that the costs to our community from smoking are immense. While New Hampshire has yet to pass smoke-free workplace legislation, many businesses in the Upper Valley have decided to voluntarily ban smoking on their premises. Due to the Co-ops standing as a leader of responsible business practices in the area, we, the undersigned members, strongly urge the Co-op to STOP THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN ALL OF ITS STORES.