Stop & Shop to kick the habit, ending all tobacco sales. There will be a buyback day, too

QUINCY ‒ Consumers can no longer purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products at Stop & Shop, according to a press release issued by the Quincy-based grocery retailer on Monday. The company is promoting the move as part of its "commitment to community wellness."

All 360 Stop & Shop locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey will end tobacco sales Aug. 31, according to the press release.

Smoking is the main cause of cancer in the world, leading to almost 6 million deaths annually, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research .

Stop & Shop will host two "cigarette buy back events" on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Grove Hall location in Dorchester at 460 Blue Hill Ave. and the Staten Island, New York location at 1351 Forest Ave.

The first 100 customers to return unopened packs or cartons of cigarettes to each location will receive a Stop & Shop gift card, as well as healthy snacks, mints and other aids to quit smoking, the press release says. Stop & Shop partnered with the American Cancer Society and its affiliate, the Cancer Action Network , on the campaign.

“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,” Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid said in a statement.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer.

Reach Peter Blandino at pblandino@patriotledger.com .

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Stop & Shop to kick the habit, ending all tobacco sales. There will be a buyback day, too