In the United States approximately 1600 youth smoke their first cigarette each day. We all know how detrimental smoking is to our health.

Yet here in Seaside, two local candy stores (Phillips and Schwietert’s) continue to market gum and chocolate in the form of candy cigarettes.

What are they thinking? Do they really make such a profit on them to warrant making cigarettes attractive to children? I have asked both stores to stop selling them but have been met with resistance. As a retired Public Health Nurse, mother and grandmother, I respectfully request both Phillips and Schwietert’s stop marketing cigarettes to children.

Sally Gardner

Portland