CVS deserves applause for stopping the sale of cigarettes. We urge other pharmacy chains to do likewise and for health-minded people to consider taking their business to CVS in a show of support for its bold move.

CVS announced in February its plans to stop the sale of tobacco products at its 7,700 stores across the country, including 150 in Connecticut. While the company estimates the band could cost it about $1.5 billion in annual tobacco sales and $500 million in associated purchases, it is giving a higher priority to burnishing its reputation as a provider of products that heal and promote health.

In keeping with that spirit, CVS has changed its name to CVS Health from CVS Caremark Corp. Its stores stopped selling tobacco products last week, about one month earlier than originally estimated.

Smoking kills about 480,000 Americans annually and is causing serious health problems for many more, costing the nation a staggering $289 billion in extra health care costs and lost productivity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By ending the sale of tobacco, Walgreens, Rite Aid and other pharmacy chains can join CVS in setting a positive example by promoting healthy behaviors. Instead, Walgreen wants it both ways.

"We believe that if the goal is to truly reduce tobacco use in America, then the most effective thing retail pharmacies can do is address the root causes and help smokers quit," Walgreen said in a statement that tried to justify the hypocrisy of its continued cigarette sales.

How about banning tobacco sales and offering smoking-cessation programs? That is what CVS is doing, and it is the right move.