Chuck Hagel Signals Support for Tobacco Sales Ban on Military Bases

As the Navy considers a ban of tobacco on all bases and ships, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is signaling his willingness to accept that ban and more.

According to Stars and Stripes, Hagel said, “I don’t know if there’s anybody in American who still thinks that tobacco is good for you.”

We don’t allowing smoking in any of our government buildings. Restaurants, states, [and] municipalities have pretty clear regulations on this. I think in reviewing any options that we have as to whether we in the military through commissaries [or] PXs sell or continue to sell tobacco is something we need to look at it. And I think we owe it to our people.

Hagel indicated “tobacco-related health issues cost the Department of Defense more than a billion dollars a year.” He said, “Now the dollars are one thing. But the health of your people–I don’t know if you put a price tag on that.”

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