RICHMOND, Va. -- Marketing restrictions in the law giving the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco do not violate free speech and serve a greater public health interest, the government said in a response to a legal challenge by two of the nation's largest tobacco companies, reported the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, the FDA on Thursday began collecting millions in fees from the nation's tobacco companies to help fund the agency's newly granted authority to regulate the industry. The user fees, which will be collected quarterly, are based on each company's share of the U.S. tobacco market.

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. plans to add beer and wine to all of its stores, marking a return to the liquor business, said The Chicago Tribune. The Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain expects to roll out alcohol to stores in the next 12 to 18 months, Walgreen CEO Gregory Wasson said in an earnings conference call Tuesday.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- In the "Great Recession" of 2007, 2008 and 2009, retailers and manufacturers are learning that you've got to spend money to make money. That was the thrust of a presentation on U.S. retailing and buying trends led by The Nielsen Co.'s Todd Hale, senior vice president of consumer and shopper insights.