CVS Quits Chamber of Commerce Over Tobacco-Friendly Lobbying

CVS pharmacies is pulling out of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce amid reports that the lobbying group worked on behalf of tobacco companies to stamp down global anti-smoking laws. The New York Times reported last week that the chamber and its foreign affiliates have zeroed in on efforts by governments around the world to curb tobacco use. "It was the right thing to do for the health and well-being of our customers," CVS said in a statement announcing it had left the group, adding the company's "purpose is to help people on their path to better health, and we fundamentally believe tobacco use is in direct conflict with this purpose."