Locals react to Stop & Shop no longer selling cigarettes and tobacco products

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) — Stop & Shop has announced that the company will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products in all stores.

“I think it’s always a step in the right direction when tobacco sales are restricted or a company decides to stop carrying tobacco products,” says Barrington resident Maria Ferri.

Stop & Shop announced Monday that it will no longer sell cigarettes or tobacco products in its 360 stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

“I don’t smoke, but I know it’s not good,” said Pawtucket resident Evelyn Laura. “Some people will be angry, others will enjoy it.”

The grocer will host two cigarette buyback events on August 28, one in Boston and one in Staten Island, New York.

“It will also help a lot of people kick their addictions,” said Pawtucket resident Ashley Laura. “I think if there are fewer places to find it, there will be less addiction.”

At both events, the first 100 customers to bring an unopened pack or carton of cigarettes for exchange will receive a Stop & Shop gift card and a bag of healthy snacks, mints and materials to help smokers quit.

Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid issued a statement: “Our responsibility as a grocer extends far beyond our shelves, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers and communities work toward better health outcomes.”

All 360 stores plan to stop selling all tobacco products by the end of the month.

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