Navy may ban tobacco sales on military bases, ships

What do you think of the Navy’s reported plans to halt tobacco sales? Good decision? Bad decision? Post a comment in this story, comment on WTOP’s Facebook Page or use #WTOP on Twitter.

WASHINGTON — The Navy is reportedly considering plans to snuff out tobacco sales on military bases and ships.

Sources tell the Navy Times that military officials are looking at removing tobacco from all exchange-operated retail outlets where cigarettes are sold.

A Navy spokewoman, Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Flaherty, told the Navy Times this week that there have been discussions about the future of tobacco sales. But she noted that no final decision had been made.

The Navy currently does not allow cigarette sales at commissaries.

Two years ago, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said at Norfolk Naval Station, Va., that the service was moving ahead with plans to create a smoke-free force.

Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence, a spokeswoman for Mabus, said in a statement to the Navy Times this week that Mabus “has asked his staff to look at additional ways to improve the health and readiness of our force. We are in the early stages of that process.”

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up