ICSA urges governments to allow c-stores to sell smoking cessation products
To mark "World No Tobacco Day," the Independent Convenience Stores Alliance (ICSA) calls on governments to embrace a practical approach to reducing smoking rates by expanding adult access to nicotine cessation tools. The alliance argues that trusted convenience stores are the best network to distribute these regulated products safely.
"Everyone agrees that reducing smoking rates is a goal worth pursuing," said Hani Al-Shikarchy, spokesperson for the ICSA. "The question is how we help adult smokers make that transition. Convenience stores have a long history of responsibly selling age-restricted products and can play an important role in providing access to regulated smoking cessation alternatives."
The ICSA noted that federally approved nicotine pouches, were specifically developed to help adult smokers quit combustible cigarettes. However, current federal restrictions have removed these products from convenience stores while continuing to allow the sale of cigarettes in those same locations.
"We appreciate Premier Smith's willingness to speak up on behalf of consumers, small businesses, and common-sense public policy," said Al-Shikarchy. "We are calling on Prime Minister Carney, Health Minister Michel, and provincial leaders across Canada to work together to ensure adult smokers have convenient access to federally approved cessation products. If we are serious about reducing smoking rates, we should be making it easier—not harder—for smokers to choose alternatives to cigarettes."
The organization argues that convenience stores remain among the most accessible retail locations in Canada and have demonstrated a strong record of age verification and responsible retailing across a range of regulated products.
"World No Tobacco Day should be about helping smokers move away from cigarettes," added Al-Shikarchy. "If a product has been reviewed and approved by Health Canada as a smoking cessation aid, governments should be looking for ways to responsibly expand access for adult smokers, not reduce it."
The ICSA is continuing to expand its network of independent convenience store operators and industry advocates from coast to coast, working to strengthen the voice of independent retailers on public policy issues affecting the sector.
