It’s pretty easy to get your tobacco fix at most corner stores in America — cigarettes have been widely available since the end of the Civil War.

It’s a main source of income for some gas stations, while others are actually trying to distance themselves from the cancer-causing plant.

Stop & Shop Banning Cigarette Sales at All Locations

In news that comes as a shock to both the retail and tobacco industries, one of America’s larger grocery chains, Stop & Shop, has announced that they will no longer sell tobacco products at all of their 360 locations across America.

They’re implementing this new rule quickly, too: On Aug. 31, all Stop & Shop locations will cease the sale of tobacco products and shift to a plan to help Americans quit smoking and get healthier.

Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, says:

“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.”

Not only are they halting all tobacco sales, they are doing something extremely unconventional for a grocery store chain. Stop & Shop is offering to buy back your packs of cigs on Aug. 28 at some of their locations.

This news caught the attention of the CEO of the American Cancer Society, Dr. Karen E. Knudsen.

“From state and local governments to schools and businesses, we can all play a part in protecting public health,” she notes. “We urge state lawmakers to prioritize tobacco control program funding so that those inspired to quit by this effort have the resources they need to help them succeed.”

Evan Paul is the host of Taste of Country Nights, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 130 country radio stations nationwide, every night from 7PM to midnight. The radio show reaches over 21 million listeners per week. He plays the best new country music and interviews today’s top stars, like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, + more!