Wegmans to stop selling cigarettes
By: WROC-TV
Updated: January 4, 2008
Local grocery store chain Wegmans is taking a stand on smoking.
Wegmans says it will stop selling cigarettes as of February 10th.
The company also sent out a letter to all its employees regarding a program to help workers quit.
"We have come to this decision after thinking about the role smoking plays in peoples' health. We certainly respect a person's right to smoke, but we believe there are few of us who would introduce our children to smoking," said Danny Wegman, Wegmans CEO.
Wegmans says cigarette sales have declined over the years, but the reason they're pulling the item is a moral one.
"The reason we're stop selling cigarettes is quite simply the role smoking has on people's health" said Wegmans spokesperson Jo Natale.
Wegmans, known as a pioneer in the grocery industry, says they hope this may encourage employees to kick the habit. But, they're realistic.
"We don't believe for a minute this decision will have a dramatic impact on smoking rates in our community," said Natale.
"It kind of stinks actually. Health should be left up to the individual not the corporation," said Bill Burke, Wegmans shopper.
Burke buys his groceries at Wegmans, but not his cigarettes. He says their prices are too expensive. But, he still isn't happy about the company's decision to stop selling tobacco products.
"It's Danny Wegmans store. It's his ball. His backyard so I guess he gets to do what he wants with it."
Ed Lynch quit smoking about two years ago after a long battle.
"It was very difficult. I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
That's why he supports Wegmans decision to pull all tobacco products off their shelves, even if they lose some customers.
"It's a great thing. The harder to get cigarettes the better. I think smokers are going to be up in arms about this. They're going to flip."
