Locals react to Stop & Shop no longer selling cigarettes and tobacco products
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Stop & Shop announced the company will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products in all stores.
“Anytime that tobacco is restricted or a business decides not to carry the tobacco products, I think it’s a step in the right direction,” said Barrington resident, Maria Ferri.
Stop & Shop announced Monday it will no longer sell cigarettes or tobacco products at its 360 stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
“I don’t smoke, but I know that’s not good,” said Pawtucket resident, Evelyn Laura. “Some people are going to be mad, some people are going to enjoy this.”
The grocery retailer is set to host two cigarette buyback events on Aug. 28, one in Boston and one in Staten Island, New York.
“It will help a lot of people stop their addiction, as well,” said Pawtucket resident, Ashley Laura. “I think if there are less places to find it, I think there is less addiction going around.”
At both events, the first 100 customers who bring in an unopened pack or carton of cigarettes to trade in will get a Stop & Shop gift card, plus a bag filled with healthy snacks, mints and materials to help smokers quit their habit.
The president of Stop & Shop, Gordon Reid, shared a statement, “Our responsibility as a grocer goes far beyond our aisles, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers, and communities work towards better health outcomes.”
All 360 stores plan to end all sales of tobacco products by the end of the month.
