NHK

Welcia drug stores to stop selling cigarettes

The operator of one of Japan's biggest drug-store chains is planning to stop selling cigarettes over the next three years.

Officials at Welcia Holdings say the move was taken out of concern for human health.

There are more than 2,700 Welcia drugstores throughout the country. The vast majority carry cigarettes.

Sales at all stores are slated to end by February 2026.

The company says annual cigarette sales come to about 20 billion yen, or around 150 million dollars, roughly 2 percent of the group's total sales.

Some of Japan's other drugstore chains have curtailed sales on a smaller scale and only affecting a limited number of outlets.

Analysts are watching to see if those operators will follow Welcia's example of a total ban.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230411_15/