QUINCY, MA (WFSB) – Stop & Shop has announced plans to remove tobacco products from its shelves.

The announcement from the Quincy, MA-based grocery store was made Monday and affected all 360 stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

It was said that the plan was to stop the sale of all tobacco products by August 31.

“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 achieve better health outcomes,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop. “From our team of board-certified dietitians who serve our customers free of charge to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates, Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we serve – and this exit from the tobacco business is another way to achieve that goal.”

Stop & Shop has partnered with the American Cancer Society.

“We are pleased to partner with Stop & Shop as they commit to ending the sale of all tobacco products in their stores,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “This is a step in the right direction to end the tobacco industry’s influence on children, and we know more can be done to reduce the burden of tobacco in our communities. From state and local governments to schools and businesses, we can all play a part in protecting public health. We urge state legislators to prioritize funding for tobacco control programs so that those motivated to quit through these efforts have the tools they need to succeed.”

Stop & Shop quoted the World Health Organization as saying that around 780 million people worldwide want to quit smoking, but only 30 percent have access to the means to do so. Tobacco use can lead to tobacco dependence and serious health problems.

“The health of our communities is a priority and quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Our licensed pharmacists can help you with smoking cessation advice and provide vaccination recommendations for those whose immunity may be weakened by smoking,” said Katie Thornell, Stop & Shop Pharmacy Manager. “We welcome anyone who wants to quit smoking to meet one of our specially trained, dedicated pharmacists who partner with our customers to support their needs at a time that suits them.”

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