Hi again John. I don't think you addressed my main point, i.e., that a pharmacy is not just another store (or more precisely, a pharmacist is not just another entrepreneur).

Yes, smoking and selling cigarettes are legal. However, members of regulated health professions are subject to laws and codes of conduct that go "above and beyond" the law. For example, as a registered nurse, I'm required to report it if I suspect child abuse, and I'm not allowed to go on strike or to refuse certain work situations that could be considered unsafe. These are obligations/restrictions that do not apply to everybody; however, these limitations on my freedom are justifiable in that nurses and other health professionals have a special responsibility to act in the interests of public health.

If you believe that pharmacies should have the same freedom to choose their merchandise that other stores do, then what do you think of my statement above that pharmacists are required to dispense all prescribable drugs? Do you think that they should be able to decide not to carry generics or other drugs with lower profit margins?

Marion