BRAVO!

Yeah!!!  Good for Weggies!

Why they are at it, why not remove the beer from the shelves? Or the Oreo cookies?  I am NOT a fan of anybody imposing their views on me in this manner.  I don't even smoke anymore, but this whole state is going in this direction.   Wegmans just lost a customer.  

It is a real gutsy move on the part of Danny Wegman.  I am all for it though believe there will be many people complaining about their rights slowly being taken away.  But they will all still find places to buy their smokes, no matter how much we take away.  Take a look at gun ownership, how difficult the laws are.  But there seems to be more and more illegal guns around.  Making it tougher to get something does not stop some people with getting what they want.

Good move.  Now if we can only get Wegman's to remove the soda machine in their cafeteria and put  the milk dispensing machine in its place.  Look around while in there, and every kid is drinking soda.

Since when did someone decide Danny Wegman is the Chief of the Morality Police.  If he really wants to play God, he should also stop selling Beer, Lottery Tickets, and condoms.  As they are morally bad products, for society to use.    Anyway his cigarette prices are too high compared to other outlets.

I do not like the idea, they should not put htere opinion on items on me, but who actually buys cigerettes there anyways.  I think they cost over $6.  

Wegmans stinks.  Too crowded, too expensive, and too much of a hassle to go there.   Total ripoff of a store and now they are making "statements" about not selling cigarettes.  pffft.

I've been a customer for years, now it looks like I am switching to P&C!

Hey folks, it's not a moral issue, it's a health issue - don't get the two confused.  No one said cigarettes are morally bad - they are a proven health risk and cause cancer.  And (unlike cigarettes), Oreo cookies, beer, lottery tickets, and condoms have NOT been proven to cause cancer (condoms protect against STD's and unwanted pregnancies, FYI).  And while alcohol can be a health risk, it is not a risk when consumed in moderation (some studies actually suggest a glass of wine a day can have health benefits - but that's neither here nor there).  Don't start comparing Oreo's and cigarettes...please tell me you're smarter than that.  There's no such thing as safe cigarettes in moderation.  Wegmans is often criticized for being greedy...but how much money do you think they'll lose by making this move?  Suddenly it's not all about greed.  Oh, and by the way, the world's largest retailer (Wal-Mart) will only sell censored CD's, which is far more offensive to me and my personal freedoms, but no one says a word about them!  Bottom line: if you don't like it, don't shop there.  The customer(s) will ultimately decide Wegmans' fate by way of the almighty dollar.  

This is the boldest move I have ever witnessed!! Bravo!!!!  I can't believe finally a company put the Health of the people above the profit!!  Already a customer, this insures I will never shop anywhere else!!

Thanks for saving me the typing "JRG".  You said it!  Way to go Wegmans!

Please....who in the world made Danny Wegman the leader of the health institutions in this country. Smoking is bad for you????Thanks Danny, I had no idea!! I just assumed that inhaliing lighted tar and nicotine would make me run faster and jump higher!!

Yes, cigarettes are bad for you, we all know that. But so is red meat, booze, fatty food, processed food, bacon, carbs, sleeping pills, lottery tickets, caffeine, etc etc etc. which are all sold in his stores.

This isn't Danny Wegman being a great guy. This is Danny Wegman telling people he knows better about yourself than you do!!! The precedent sucks!!!!! It's another example of someone taking the high road and pushing their beliefs on other people.

BTW, I don't smoke. I find it disgusting. But I'll defend the right of anyone who wants to purchase a LEGAL item.

And come on now, do you really think that the sale of cigarettes were making Danny a bunch of money. This is purely a PR move on his part to try and look like a great guy. Sorry Danny, you look like a pompous ass!

What's next Danny, are you going to wake up tomorrow and discover that sugary foods are bad for teeth?  Uh oh, better watch out for the pop tarts and Fruit Loops!!

Every retail store in the US "forces" their beliefs on us by selling the products they choose to sell.  Unless I'm mistaken, there is no law telling a retail establishment what they must or must not sell.  If you don't like the "beliefs" of the Wegmans chain, there are other stores.  That's your choice.  Be happy you have that choice.  Some people in this world don't.

So tell me, CB, what are the redeeming qualities and health benefits of cigarettes?  I can find postive attributes associated with every product you mentioned, including caffeine & lottery tickets (neither of which are harmful in moderation, nor create a physical addiction as powerful as cigarettes).  I don't wish to limit anyone's rights either, but our government is too weak/inept to make changes against the powerful tobacco industry, and I'm sick and tired of subsidizing the health care costs of those that are too ignorant to help themselves.  And how the hell is this "purely a PR move" for Wegmans?  If you're a current non-customer (smoker or not), this probably isn't going to change your mind about Wegmans, but it will turn off folks like yourself.  Thanks for the parking spot you'll leave behind, I appreciate it.

...And if you don't like it, take your stanky, coughing, tooth rotting, nasty smoking *** to P&C. I guarantee you Wegman's wont be losing any substantial business because of this new policy.

Just as you all have a right to complain about it, Wegmans has the right to decide what not to sell. The liabilty and licensing fees, as well as potential fine selling to minors cost them and their shareholders money. Remeber, Wegmans is in the business of making money for it's shareholders, not selling food or employing people. The do the latter to make the money. Personally, Beer and Cigarettes should be sold in state run or monitored store, such as Canada does with beer. That would help with unautorized sales to minors.  JMHO...

Wow! That's great! Maybe other places will follow suit. It's funny to see how angry, and how hard people will fight to keep their "right" to smell bad and ruin their health!

By the way CB.....there is a HUGE profit in selling cigarettes.  This just shows your ignorance.

Does anyone know if Wegmans pharmacies sell the prescription RU-486, the morning after pill or "abortion pill"?  Because if they do then Danny Wegman is an accessory to abortion and abortion kills unborn babies.  

I am pleased to see a business take this stand. It is a trend in the US that while likely to never be declared illegal, tobacco use is becoming "intolerant". Maybe the death rate will go down with more steps toward intolerant. For those who use tobacco products, yes, your choice and your right. For your children, maybe they will have more respect for the health effects and live better for it after seeing such public declarations against tobacco use. Way to go Wegman's!

YES it is about time someone takes a stand on a smoke free ny. I smoked for many years and i am glad i quit. WAY TO GO WEGMANS !!!!!!!!!

Bravo to Wegmans.  Now could you remove the offensive magazines at the check out.  How embarrassing with children around.

I worked in the grocery business for 40 plus years, 20 years ago the tobacco companies would come in and pay the retailer like Wegmans thousands of dollars per store to display their products. Those cigarette racks didn't just happen to be placed at each checkout they were paid to put them there. But as the government changed the rules where tobacco could be displayed and taxed the tobacco products the cost continue to rise to the level that most companies didn't want to stock pile thousands of dollars in tobacco products. With 50 plus varieties and over $40 per carton an invoice for tobacco would be in the tens of thousand of dollars easily each week. With our friends on local Indian reservations selling tobacco cheaper, people not wanting to pay the high price at the grocery store the sales shifted from retailers like Wegmans to places on the many Indian reservations or Indian Gas stations in Central New York. It is nice that channel 9 gave their favorite grocery an pat on the back for no longer selling tobacco but lets cut the BS and tell it like it really is there just isn't the profit in tobacco there was in the past so why bother selling tobacco. Look like a Hero Danny and save some money. PS I have never smoked in my life and  I will still shop at Danny's Place.

It is interesting how you Americans, have a total disrespect for the Declaration of Independence, perhaps you prefer dictatorship or a society much like the Taliban.  Be careful what you wish for or you just might get it.  As a former resident of East Germany I've seen how the other way worked.

We hate you smokers ! Maybe I won't have so many end up on my hood from all the slobs tossing them out the window  . Remember who is the top company to work for in the country . Go Danny . We love your store !

JRG condoms don't protect against STD's and unwanted pregnancies.  I still got pregnant while my bf used a condom.  condom packages say right on them "DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STD'S"  read!!!!!!!!

Andrew... if you are in the "hood" maybe that is where the butts belong!

I am glad they are not going to sell them anymore.. who in the world would want to pay their rediculous prices for them.. or for anything in that store chain for that matter?  Go spend $100.00 in a Wal-Mart super center and then the same at Wegman's, I am SURE you will come out with way LESS than what you did at Wal-Mart.  The entire store is rediculous as to the pricing, BUT in the same aspect.. that is how their employees are over paid to stand around snapping their gum and flashing their higher than mighty attitudes each shift and in the top Fortune 500.

Why don't the stores just rid of everything offensive to the church going, unaddictive, unsocialable, unpersonable perfect people in this world and just sell... GROCERIES?!

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  As for the people who want the beer, etc. taken from the shelves.  NOT  It's the smoke that's the problem.  I grew up with second-had smoke; only smoked myself very little, quit at age 24.  Now, my lungs are having problems and it's probably from all the second-hand smoke.  I am 71.

The State has pressured everyone to take a stand aginst cigarettes, what about chewing tobacco, street drugs, alchol and guns? It is easy to do away with something legal.  Wegmans is not a martyr, they were just not making a profit
so don't waste the space.  They probably will put candy there. which of course
is so healthy for you!!
WIN55

I think the real reason is because they hirer so many under age teens that they can't control who is purchasing them. My child works at the Cicero Wegmans and he is 17 and has come home with cigaretts and cigars that his co-worker friend has sold to him. They should also due away with alcohol sales as well because they can't control that either.

Never smoked in my life but a bad move.   OUR TAXES will go up big time.  NY State and places like Wegmans look like heros but in the end the buck will be passed on to us from lost tax money.

I have never heard of a driving death from smoking but I sure have from booze.  That will never happen because smokers and non smokers alike down booze like water.

Their prices were high on cigs because they never took advertising money from big tobacco to help sell to minors.  Way to go Wegmans.  I applaud you!!!

there is no definitive proof or direct coralation between smoking and cancer. if wegmans doesnt sell cigarettes anymore , thats fine with me . there prices are over the top , and quality mediocre. JRG ,i didnt know you were a scientist, please keep your shallow and unsubstansiated statements to yourself. i know genetics, and if your family has cancer in its lineage, it wont matter how many health foods you eat and smoke you avoid; i believe in the constitution; the founding fathers were men of integrity and honor; nothing in the constitution covers this subject matter, therefore i find this whole situation [banning cigarettes] , an abomination in the eyes of god and humanity

First of all, Wegmans is not owned by shareholders.  They are a private corporation.
Secondly, cigarettes and tobacco have a huge margin.  They are very profitable.
Thirdly, there is more to this situation than is told.

Terry has hit the nail on the head. The health issue, the moral issue, whatever is just a cover for the real reason they're doing it..and that is the almighty dollar. If they were making money from it, they'd keep doing it. People are so sensitive when they think someone else is trying to tell them what to do. Get over it..there are plenty of other places for smokers to spend their money. Wegmans is making a BUSINESS decision.

OOORAH for wegmans.You said it all JRG.

To "mother of 2": check out http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001053.htm ("Proper use of condoms with each act of sexual intercourse can reduce, but not eliminate, risk of STD".)  I never said eliminate, but perhaps my verbiage was a bit misleading - my bad.  And, sorry, but condoms absolutely DO protect against unwanted pregnancies, just not 100% of the time (no birth control method other than abstinence does).  Regardless, you've completely missed the point and are way off topic.  Perhaps YOU are the one who should "read!!!!!!!!"

Tom F: "there is no definitive proof or direct coralation (sic) between smoking and cancer"??????  Step away from the crack pipe, pal, and please please please tell me you'll be shopping somewhere other than Wegmans so I won't have to deal with you.  

Check out the National Cancer Institute website: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/cancer

Idiot.

I think our society is turning into a dictatorship. I am tired of people and government telling us what we can eat, drink and smoke. Sure, we all know smoking is a health hazard, but so is eating red meat, eggs and anything else that raises cholesterol and causes heart disease. Should Wegmans put a ban on that, too? I know a lot of people that have or had cancer that didn't smoke. There are many factors that cause cancer besides smoking, but can we ban all of them? Too much red meat and fat like ice cream can cause colon cancer. We can't live in fear of what we put in our mouths because of the what-ifs. Alcohol is more of a health hazard because stupid people get behind the wheel of a car and drive drunk. I've never heard of anyone getting killed by a smoking driver. I thought this was a free country. I guess it's free if you play by their rules.

Amarie319....It is a free country.  You are free to go somewhere else and shop!

Well said JRG...my grandfather DIED as a DIRECT result of smoking!!  He had mouth, throat and ear cancer. Ever tried emjoying after having 3/4 of you tounge removed and 1/2 your jaw? 100% caused by smoking!
Way to go Wegmans for trying to encourage Quiting!  Taxes, shmaxes!  At least if more people quit smoking MY health insurance will go down!

To everyone who has a problem with Wegmans, who is privately owned, go shop somewhere else then if you can't respect the fact that this is a POSITIVE move, nothing personal!

I don't totally disagree with those that are concerned with their rights being abused by censoring and banning but I think tobacco products fall into a slightly different category. They have no positive benefits. Literally none. Yes you can have negative affect from many thinigs. But if you take beef for instance, our bodies use beef with purpose. It does not have to be bad. Tobacco is always bad as a product. No one is rejecting the people who use it, just the product itself.

JRG says it all! I applaud Danny for his efforts in trying to encourage healthy peresons and families. Was anyone else involved in the county wide program to Get Moving? Wegmans gave out gift cards if you participated in the program to encourage exercise and overall health. To me their move to ban cigarettes shows me they are serious in taking a stand and only trying to promote public health! Yes it is a personal choice and right to smoke or not, but by not smoking you can prevent and drasitcally lower you chances of getting cancer. Hopefully the impact of Wegman's decision,a long with state laws banning smoking will make the public start to think about what they are putting in their body! Cancer is a serious public health issue that demands a collaboration of resources to help prevent and cure it.


And to amarie319's remarks.. there are health benefits of eating red met, eggs, dairy, and even alcohol in moderation... there are NO health benefits of smoking!!

I still don't see why people are mad at Wegman's for doing this.  One person even said they are "banning cigarettes."  

Whatever happened to a private business choosing what products it wants to sell to its customers?  

Someone also said "I thought this was a free country."  It is a free country.  That's why private businesses can choose what products it wants to sell.

No one, as far as I know, got this mad when restaurants and fast food chains decided to not use trans fat.

One other thing... people are concerned about their rights being violated, or something of that nature?

When was it your right to have a grocery store sell cigarettes.  I missed that part of the Constitution.

Wayyyyyy to goooo Wegman's!!!  I just said the other day, "why the heck are stores allowed to sell something that is a known killer" to such a huge portion of people that use the addictive sticks. I will gladly shop more often at Weggies!!!

Check out this site: LEADING CAUSE OF PREVENTABLE DEATHS!

http://dying.about.com/od/causes/ss/death_causes_2.htm

Earlier post said "Does anyone know if Wegmans pharmacies sell the prescription RU-486, the morning after pill or "abortion pill"?  Because if they do then Danny Wegman is an accessory to abortion and abortion kills unborn babies."

Conception doesn't occur until days after intercourse, so there technically is no fetus when the morning after pill is taken and does its job.

That's like saying that if the store's pharmacy sells condoms, then they are an accessory to abortion.

the problem with these blogs are we have to read ignorant statements by ignorant and souless people. that you have no mind and no backbone is your problem JRG. YOU HAVE NOT AN IOTA OF KNOWLEDEGE AND TRAINING IN HEALTH [ GENETICS, MOSTLY] YOU ARE A VICTIM , WILLINGLY OF A GUTLESS, MINDLESS, AND SOULESS SOCIETY OWNED AND BRAINWASHED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. IM LEAVING THIS BLOG; SEARCHING FOR INTELLIGENT AND INSIGHTFUL PEOPLE. BE CAREFUL ,WHO YOU CALL YOUR FAMILY NAMES. IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS THIS ONE ON ONE SOMEWHERE; NAHH FORGET IT YOU GOT NO CANONIES.

So bindolfi if you are an advocate of abortion, just say so.   Are you also for sterilizing people that don't meet you standards of race, sex, religion, or people not like you?

I'm not an advocate.  I'm just saying that taking the morning after pill does not kill a fetus and therefore is not abortion.  It's like taking birth controll pills before sex, just that RU-486 is, for lack of a better way of explaining it, a super dose of birth control.

And I'm against any type of sterilization.

That takes guts!  You know if people stopped buying illegal drugs the dealer's would stop selling.  That's my take on the war against drugs.  Stop buying and the selling will stop.  So being one of the buyers and stopping thats great.

This is not a moral issue or a health issue. Last I heard we live in a country with the freedom of choice. For God's sake! (or not, which ever works for you-freedom of religion, too) this was a business decision made by company on whether or not they want to sell a legal product. Being that they are privately held, that is their right. If you don't agree, you have the right to shop elsewhere. If they decided to stop selling pudding because it wasn't profitable there wouldn't even be a discussion. As to whether this decision will help influence people who smoke to give it up , I guess if you shop Wegmans and you accept Danny Wegman's "doctrine",  you'll have to quit. Nice part of being in America though is, if it's legal the choice is yours. Just don't put the burden of responsibility for your choices on anyone else. In the meantime, they have pretty much everything else you need and at lower prices at P&C.

Good God people.  This is a grocery store that decided to stop selling a product that very little people were buying there anyway.  If they decided to stop selling any other product that wasn't selling well, no one would care.  They are are private company that answers to Danny and Colleen Wegman and its fellow employees.  They make decisions based on their employees, not their union or shareholders.  That's what makes it a great company.  It could be worse they could be cutting jobs like Penny Curtis or lay people off like NPG.  Their money goes back into the company, not to pay people NOT to work.

They also need to remove beer so that people can not go to the store, purchase and then drive drunk and kiil people that way as opposed to smoking.

The reason it makes sense is that with all the crybabies around, one of them will eventually get the idea to sue the store where they bought their smokes if they get cancer! Just like a bar can get sued if someone drinks too much there and gets a DWI, the idea is not that far-fetched. BTW, I'm a light smoker (only when I drink), and as long as Wegman's remains the closest grocery store to my house, I'll still shop there. I hope for the sake of all the fat slobs I see waddling around that Danny doesn't stop selling Chips and soda!

Smokey, Even Private Corporations have shareholders. A public corp means you, John Q. Public (Smokey) can go out an purchase stock, whereas  a private one you can't. The best way to protest this, if you must, is to not go there, and tell your buddies not to.  

to the other guy,
As far as smoking not being a trigger or constituent for getting cancer, how much proof do you need? a mushroom cloud? The thing is, any foriegn substance ingested into the body will help enable mutations to form diseases like cancer.

amarie319,You can eat all he meat and eggs you want and it won't affect my health any.Other peoples smoke will.Show me some proof that it won't.

stupid. very stuipid buisness decision . how many people stop @ the store for smokes and get other stuff as well? however considering they keep ciggaretes in a VAULT  anyway who really cares???????????

Tom F: 1.) Lay off the CAPS button.  2.) Try spellcheck sometime, it's wonderful  3.) Obviously many people get cancer whether they smoke or not.  Duh.  But it's a FACT that smoking cigarettes greatly increases the odds.  F-A-C-T.  I suppose you'll also try to tell us that the world is really flat, huh?

how many smokers out there ?????? how come there are mostly responses from nonsmokers could this be part of the "conservative" corporate media with their "unbiased" opinion???

why do any of you care how or if i get cancer . last time i checked nobody paid my health insurance but me. back off and live your own lives.

Hooray, it is about time someone took a stand.  It is a shame to see how the young people still become addicted to these cancer sticks.  I know anyone who wants them will get them somewhere else but lets make it a little harder and not so convenient.

Jamie, You said it all, I do as little shopping in "GOOD OL NEW YORK". The big ticket items are bought down south while I visit family.  Boy what a relief on the taxes.

It is everyones right, for now, to sell what ever they want. It is also everyones right to shop where ever they want.

I do beleive that he can't just pick on just one item. Why not be really bold and take the ice cream and all of the other goodies of the shelves because there are allot of overwieght people out there high blood pressure and other problems, This issue will be the next sin or maybe the booze which some people kind of over do and kill some innocent child or parents on the road.

But really, thanks for the tax relief.

Jeff Gotti said: ... If he really wants to play God, he should also stop selling Beer, Lottery Tickets, and condoms.  As they are morally bad products, for society to use.  

I must say that you have no clue what you are talking about. First off these products effect your health in no way except for condoms which improve health by protecting from hazardous diseases. Beer is in no way bad for your health if you drink in moderation. Secondly, lottery tickets help out the economy through the money we spend whilst taking away any risks.

You all have your own opinions but when was it said that Wegman's HAD to sell cigarettes? Simply stop at a gas station on the way home, and buy them. You are all looking to bash Wegman's just because they are making an effort to improve life for others. You smokers, when was the last time you thought about someone? I know it wasnt when you were smoking your cigarettes around me....

I applaud Danny for making this decision... I hope other stores will decide to follow in Wegmans' footsteps!

Wegmans is cutting costs everywhere. Cigarettes are a low profit and high hassle item. I doubt they would do this is they were still making more money.

Great move!! I hope the others jump on the band wagon. This is a good move to keep our children away from them as well.

I think it's a great idea.  Cigarettes ought to be sold at a tobacco store, just like wine and liquor have there own outlets.  

JRG said it best - it's not a moral issue, it's a health issue.  Why continue to help people kill themselves?  Some people drink responsibly - not everyone eats a whole package of oreo's in one sitting.  However, everyone and anyone that smokes is damaging their health as well as those around them. I have friends who not only smoke and allow their teen children to smoke, but do so in their house with their young grandchildren present.  In this day and age everyone should be responsible enough to know better, but obviously they don't. In any case, Wegmans is not going to stop those people or any like them, but they are able to clear their own conscience, and there's nothing wrong with that.  They are just trying to do the right thing.  Kudos to Wegmans!!  :-)

Basically you Yankee's and Pinko liberals, are turning this country into a bunch of wussy's and OBL is having the last laugh. It shows weakness.  People make good and bad choices, smoking is a bad choice, as are drugs, but somehow until humans evolve to stop doing bad things, that just the way it is.  Most smokers abide by the rules and go outside, since when is outside owned by anyone.  If someone passes bad gas, could that be considered second hand gas?  Life is full of risks, and choices, a good number of people die in the US by slipping and falling in bathtubs.   People drive huge SUV's that pollute the air and guzzle gas, but if they passed a law stopping their sale, I guess using the logic of many of the poster's that OK.

It is a stores right to sell what they want. I just want to know when is all going to stop. When are people going to leave smokers alone!

Bottom Line:  Wegman's can decide what legal products they wish to sell.  Should you disagree, shop somewhere else.  Carousel Mall, being private property, can ban smoking on their premises.  Should you disagree, shop somewhere else.

Danny Wegman may  have decided to stop selling tobacco for health concerns, for business concerns, for liability concerns, but it's his right to do so.

Whether tobacco causes health problems is no longer an issue for discussion.  A sufficient number of informed, educated, studied scientists around the world have determined all sorts of negative effects - high blood pressure, cancer, emphysema.  Only those still in denial still believe otherwise, but, like the law of gravity, your belief is not required.  I quit smoking years ago, cold turkey, and have never regretted it.  If nothing else, I don't have to spend $4+ a day to support an addiction.

I think it's great the Wegman's is backing up it's claim for healthy living by making this change; otherwise, they are hypocrites.  Along the same line, they should remove all foods containing partially hydrogenated/hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and foods made with GMO's.  This is called putting your money where your mouth is.  On another note, for those of you making the argument that they should stop selling cookies etc,  while it's okay for someone to make a personal choice to smoke, I don't want to and I don't appreciate having to breathe someone else's smoke when they choose to do so around me.  It's intrusive, rude and unfair.  I don't gain weight because a person near me is eating a cookie.  I strongly support Wegman's choice to stop selling this dangerous product.

Confederate Man, your pathetic grammar aside, you make several illogical and ignorant remarks.

First, you infer that a private business making a decision to stop selling a harmful product makes terrorists happy.  That's just dumb.

Second, you compare the health affects, or complete lack thereof, of bad gas to smoking.

Third, you imply showering is a health risk.

Fourth, you fail to understand the logic of many people on the forum.  The majority that support Wegmans' policy/right to change their policy realize it is a business decision and not a law.

And finally, let's go back to your first rambling.  You refer to those supporting Wegmans as "Pinko liberals."  You couldn't be more wrong.  People are supporting the business' choice to sell the products that want.  That's capitalism.  Pure capitalism.


I hope I helped you understand how stupid you are.

hey- lighten up everybody (not light up) !  it's the store's freedom of choice to sell what it wants to and not carry items it doesn't want- whats that to you? i don't shop at wegmans, but i commend them for taking a stand.  smoking is a dinosaur and the retail giants should take leadership and set a good example to make it go away from society

I am sick of people making it so difficult for smokers! They are addicted. Why is no one concerned with the sale of ALCOHOL?  There are or may be more health risks and fatalities from that poison that is so legal and why don't they raise the taxes outragously like they do on cigarettes? I feel sorry for all employees who are having thier rights taken away from them to even smoke on the property at Carousel Mall! THEY ARE TAKING SMOKERS RIGHTS AWAY LIKE COMMUNISM!!!!!

Wegmans will lose my business

Hey Dan way to go Da man!. Its not hard to quit smoking if you want to. I did 6 1/2 years ago. I figured that I was burning up 7 bucks a day smoking. 365 days a year comes to 2500 bucks. May I ask this question, would set fire to a pile of 25 100 dollar bills? That is how I see smoking now as stupid waste of money. Along as a major health risk. BTW health insurance premiums are based on how much the insurer pays out. Smokers to run up my cost of health insurance. Maybe smokers should pay more like life insurance dose?

I am trying to quit so this is good.  Now they should work on getting rid of all the alcohol.  That also is addictive, life threatening and causes a lot of problems for people.  And I also find the smell offensive.  GET RID OF THE BOOZE

I'm sick of listening to this "health issue" bull. I was already in a diaper once in my life. Why would I want to be in one again when I'm 80?
Let people do what they want to do. Stop making a sorry effort at controlling their lives. Two parents are enough.

I juet read that wegmans is planning to stop the sale if cigarettes.  Let me first say that I am a NON-SMOKER... i think this is ridiculous!!!!!  Just another example of how this society is trying to play little mother hen and "take care" of the stupid little peons who can't take care of themselves... While you are at it, why don't you stop selling all of the products that are harmfull to your health....Lets see that woould include ALCOHOL,COOKING OILS,mayonase, (AS THEY CLOG ARTERIES),ALL PRE-MADE FROZEN MEALS SUCH AS STOUFFERS,LEAN CUISINE ETC...., LIL DEBBIE'S PRODUCTS,TWINKIES, HO HO'S,...LETS NOT FORGET THE CHICKEN WINGS YOU SELL IN YOUR DELI,BBQ CHARCOAL (AS THAT HAS BEEN LINKED TO CANCER)..... I could go on and on and on.  We are all adults, and we are capable of deciding our fate.... I have been a Wegmans shopper for years, but no longer.  I will take my business elsewhere from now on.

wegmans has every right to sell what they want .they lost a good faithfull costomer just because of all these people that want to complain about smoke when these people pollute thousands of times over my cigarretes with their own vehicles.i'm hereby making the decision to be as rude as possible with my smpoke since you people are rude as possible to smokers.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU WEGMANS!!!
  IT’S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE STARTED THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.  I LOST MY DAD TO LUNG CANCER.  MY MOM HAD TRIPPLE BYPASS, LOST ONE OF HER LUNGS TO CANCER AND YET, I HAVE SIBLINGS WHO STILL SMOKE!  IT’S A VERY SAD ADDITION THAT AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST THE PERSON WHO HAS  “THE RIGHT TO SMOKE”

I'm torn on this issue. I quit smoking 10 years ago and while I do enjoy going out and not having the offensive smell of smokers, I doubt I would say it if I had continued to smoke. Wegmans can sell whatever they want, all the stores do. They could have just stopped selling them and not said anything, how many people would really notice if that happened?  I never bought them there when I smoked.
On one hand we are losing our rights, but on the other we are protecting others rights. BTW, whoever said that  "there is no definitive proof or direct coralation  between smoking and cancer"??????. My mother died as a direct result from smoking. Remember I said I quit 10 years ago? I found out several months ago I have COPD, a direct result from smoking. However you feel about this, it's still your right to choose where to go to shop.

I find it funny, didn't Mr. Wegman previously have some type of addiction?  Not something sold in his stores.

I just stopped smoking one year ago. Kudos to Wegmans for taking a stand. I was never a steady shopper of Wegmans but I will be now.

I think it is a great idea and the other mega-stores should follow suit! Wegmans is a bit out of my way, but you can bet I will be shopping there from now on!

Dave Jones,

What an ignorant comment. How can you say no one pays your insurance but you. What do you think happens to the premiums of everyone you work with when you cost your insurance company millions to pay for your cancer treatments, lung transplants, amputations, and nursing home care that will occur as a direct result of your nasty smoking habit? Their premiums will increase. And if you get old enough to qualify for medicare, we will all pay for your stupidity. Thanks a lot.

You're right Fred Packer. You might find something that looks pretty similar in the baking aisle.

Thank you Wegmans!!

It is amazing news to hear that such a large well known company is finally taking a stand against tobacco. Hopefully many others will follow Wegmans' lead.

I can't always get certain brands or types of groceries/food on the shelves at Wegman's, so I must shop for it in another type of store.  E.g., they no longer carry apple butter, so I order it on-line.  Take cigarettes off the shelves.  It's not taking away your rights; it's their prerogative what they want or don't want in their stores.  

What smokers rights? Is it in the bill rights?

As a non-smoker of only one week, this change came all to expected for me. In the past maybe ten years in NY state everything has been advancing toward a smoke free state. Who expects the grocery stores to be any diiferent. I, mean that is what the state is driving us to. I finally gave because I knew this type of thing was and is inevitable. They cost too much, you can't even smoke outside most places these days. I mean with all this did anyone accually expect stores not to tag along with the rest of the state. Danny Wegman is just the front runner in the newest way for us to become a smoke free state.

If Victoria's Secret ever stops selling sheer thong underwear and push up bra's, to young and attractive girls, then I'll know all hope is lost.  Peace.

Why do companies sell products that kill their customers.  Tobacco companies sell a product that is directly related to addictions, yet, they are a special interest company.  Oh yeah, I suppose when RJR almost went belly up back in the 80s, they bought Nabisco.  Guess they are related.

Alcohol, as well, is addicting.  But the problem is some people cannot be responsible.  When is the last time you heard of someone smoking and driving and wind up killing someone.

In this capitalist society, we will eventually legislate ourselves right out of an economy, albeit good or bad products.  Everything is based on how you salvage a situation, rather than prevent it in the first place.  Prohibition was a great idea.  Many people drink and drive, even politicians.

I understand that freedoms are not free, but if I didn't vote for it, how come I have to accept it (not withstanding Wegman's choice).

Ok, Danny, you've finally crossed the line. What is the logic besides this being a shallow "feel-good" public relations move? Did it even occur to you and your "talented" team of marketing consultants that some of us would clearly see the obvious stupidity of it: namely, you SELL MANY NONHEALTHY PRODUCTS.( Little Debbie snacks, Slim Jims, Fat infused snack chips, Beer, Wine coolers, Lard...to name a few.) Why not be the ultimate "Big Brother" and stop selling ANYTHING unhealthy?
I am not the only one fed up with condescending fatcats like yourself foisting their agendas onto their livelihood, their paying customers. The sheer nerve of your pompousness makes us sick. I'm sure you did some studies and found other corporate entities have joined the hip trend of "feel good, or else we'll force it on you" (ie, Congels "I own the air"  no-smoking policies as of Jan.1) but the public has been sick of it for soem time, wether your polls or marketing detected it or not.
You have not just lost my business, you have lost more than you can calculate in the long run, "I'm stopping by Wegmans, does anyone want anything" won't be uttered by me ever again. If you don't want to smoke Danny, feel free by all means. Do not force your personal whims on the people who paid for your huge mansions, cars and life you lead.

Also, With full knowledge that your Hartz or Sargents flea killing products have killed thousands of pets, why does Wegmans continue to carry the products? Seems like your consciousness only extends to smelling a wiff of a legally sold product. If anyone doubts the toxicity of Wegmans line of available flea killing products, google it.

For all you who applaud this arrogant move, I will say this; If you do not think this will not affect you in the near future, you are truly naive. California is proposing higher prices/fees added onto fatty foods right as we speak. So have your little smarmy laugh now, because it's only a matter of time before you won't be able to enjoy what you like.
Going for your tub of ice cream, or six pack of beer and not seeing it there anymore will wipe that smirk off your healthy little face. You're next.

I'm an Exsmoker but,I think smokers are getting kicked around a little too much,They have all thier rights taken away.People choose to be fat that's not healthy.I think people should worry more about globlal Warming and the pollution our automobile's put out.Maybe we should stop selling gas.Leave the smoker's alone!

It is NOT your right to by cigarettes at Wegmans.  It was a conveinence.  Just buy them at a gas station and get over it.  That's right, you can't stop smoking long enough so you won't blow up at the pump.

Welcome to the New Red Square being told what to say, what to buy, where you can or cannot buy it! Come on Danny Wegman. Go ahead take the cigs. off the shelves, while you're at it take the alcoholic beverages off too. Oh yeah check your pharmacy area for the OTC sleeping aides, and the no-doze, they wonderful too. Okay smoking causes cancer, drinking then driving causes accidents if not death. Danny you have lost many customers over this and will lose many more!

Take the band aid off the problem and get to the source of rising health costs the Insurance companies - I used to work for one- get the high paid administrators who by the way do not have any type of medical training or degree out of the stone age and let the doctors be doctors. To all of you who smoke  go elsewhere buy 'em and drive at least with a cig in your mouth you wont be hitting me head because you can't see straight.

What is this world coming to?  1st the mall says you can't smoke on their property IN YOUR OWN CAR! Now with Wegmans not selling cigarettes..will they discontinue beer?  Whens the last time someone got behind the wheel of a car and caused an accident by  smoking?  All this will do is send people elsewhere to buy tobacco and the profit will be given to another chain!

Lowes and Home Depot and The Dollar Store and Great Northern Mall don't sell any smoking products.  Why don't we all get together and try to force them to start selling cigarettes?  It would make about as much sense as complaining about Wegmans stopping.

Hey! I thought the men and women of our armed services fought for our freedom? what in good God's name did they really fight for? I thought that being an american being free- and over 21. I was given the right to make my own decisions .
Alright Danny Wegman you and your ex-wife and children and grandchildren can have your mansions, your organic farms and all your little expensive toys and even your alcoholic beverages, but trust me  my forefathers bought and paid for my freedom which means i am free to shop anywhere but your overpriced, markets.

wonder how many here are 10lbs 20lbs even 50lbs over weight.maybe soon they will get rid of potato chips, cookies,and other health concern foods.what place does heart failure rank on causes of death. signed snuffy the non smoker from the peoples rebublic of new york.

It's not about "smokers rights" you idiots, it's about the movement by businesses to tell the public what they "should do". Who has the right to dictate what products we can and cannot purchase? You have been blinded by the onslaught of propoganda to teach you to "not smoke". You all seem proud of that, even stating that you "hate" smokers, as if that's something good. myself I like CHOICES. Nobody has the right to tell me what I should or should not do if I am not breaking any law. Especially not arrogant wealthy business owners. You who agree seem to enjoy being ordered around. Well, sheep are needed in any political movement, so enjoy the ride. Next time it will be YOU, so stop the self righteous back slapping, you dupes. People are so stupid it amazes me.

wonder how many here are 10lbs 20lbs even 50lbs over weight.maybe soon they will get rid of potato chips, cookies,and other health concern foods.what place does heart failure rank on causes of death. signed snuffy the non smoker from the peoples rebublic of new york.

Do you anti smokers have any clue that you are being told what to do by special interest groups or private business owners? Does it bother you at all that some people are dictating your behavior and instructing you on what you can and cannot do? I think smoking is an unhealthy thing but so are many of the other things we all enjoy. If the media forces like "smoke free ny" decided that video games, beer, snack foods, meat, etc. where unhealthy and began a push to eliminate them, how would you feel? I resent being told what I can enjoy, but maybe that's just me.

Being a lemming is not an admirable quality in my opinion. people do things that are not heakthy or in their best interest, but freedom to do those things is important to preserving our freedoms in America.

They also stopped selling Cracker Jacks.  How Un-American?  Let's Riot!!!  They are not telling you what you can and can't do.  They are simply not selling a product that had a low profit becuase they didn't take money from big tobacco to advertise.

I think that the choice Wegman's is making is just a matter of them Walking the Walk.

One more step towards socialism. Shop somewhere else.

Get Over It, Freedom of choice is what our country is based on. While you may enjoy corporate fatcats deciding what products you can buy, I do not. It's hypocrisy on so many levels, considering many items they sell are not good for you. Nobody is calling for riots, just exposing the trend of corporate lifestyle directors like Danny Wegman. Who needs this crap?! Are we not intelligent enough to make our own decisions?

RE: Sick of it all, They are not taking away anyones right to smoke.  The are simply removing a product that wan't selling.  Obviously some people aren't intelligent enough to make their own decisions becuase they still make the decision to light up a smoke and slowly kill themselves.

I think that smoking is very bad for your health - no question.  Mr. Wegman has the right as a business owner to pick and choose his inventory.  Just remember that the drug dealer comments (supply & demand) are pretty off base - smoking is legal!  

So Excited!!  As a wegmans employee I am so excited that this finally went through!!  Now I dont have to argue with customers about why our prices are so high and tell them to just go to the Hess across the street!!  Now I don't have to smell the stale gross breath of the customers buying cigarettes!! And just as a side note... Wegmans has been trying to get rid of the cigarettes for years now but it was never made a public issue.   Thank you Danny!!

Great Decision!

Your prices for tobacco products are ridiculous to begin with.  Perhaps Wegmans should eliminate their bakery department as obesity doesn't fit in to their "healthy" ways.  Maybe Wegmans should partner up with Carousel Mall.  Pick on someone else.

How did Wegmans decision to stop selling cigarettes lead to comments about individual rights, abortion, and alcohol?  Wegmans is a business - a grocery store.  They can choose to sell or not sell any products they like.  They no longer carry my favorite brand of pizza.  Does that mean they have some hidden agenda against me?  No.  They just choose not to sell that particular brand.  

They don't ban smokers from shopping there.  They haven't started a global campaign to make cigarettes illegal to everyone - they have just opted not to sell them at their stores.

THEIR stores, not yours or mine.  

Unless the sign above the door says Chapman's, Snuffy's, or Judy's they can opt to sell or not sell whatever they would like.  There are still plenty of places for consumers to purchase cigarettes.

Wegmans is one of the best grocery chains in the nation.  I have friends who make it a point to shop there when they visit from out of town.

They can't be everything to everyone.  Let them focus on groceries and great customer service.  If you do smoke, grab a pack of cigarettes at the gas station the next time you fill up or any of the two hundred places you are still able to purchase them

Then think about all the freedoms we're allowed to enjoy in this country the next time you light up.

Smokers suck. You SMELL BAD. Go find a hobby that is good for you. Smokers shouldn't have rights anyway, so WAY TO GO WEGMANS!!

P.S.-*** all you want...The world is becoming anti-smokers, which is GREAT NEWS for all the sweet innocent kids in the world who won't DIE from second hand nasty smoke.

Wegman's bottom line is going to see how people in Central NY think. I don't smoke, but I make my own decissions, I will shop elsewhere. Wegman's is NOT  in the position to be moral police, or health police either. It's not their business.

Wegman's business is just that -- their business.  They have a choice to sell what products they want.

Bonnie, you say you make your own decision.  So why complain about a private company's right to make their own decision?

They aren't policing anyone.

Yes, smokers do have rights.

I am a non smoker that comes from a family of smokers.  It is still their decision as to whether or not they smoke.  But as their siblings I make it crystal clear to them I would like it if they didn't for their health and mine.  Thankfully, they are slowly one by one becoming non smokers too.  We buried both our parents due to Lung Cancer!!!

My brother made a very valid point the other day by stating that back in the 60's and 70's they use to have cigarette ads during morning cartoons.  So smoking was almost encouraged from a very young age. I do remember the Marlboro Man from the 70's.  

In MY home smoking is FORBIDDEN!!!  As the homeowner that is my right!!! It is STRICTLY enforced too.  It is no different for Wegmans deciding what they are going to sell. Numerous medical offices have signs posted that they don't want smoking on their property as well.  They too are concerned about people health.  It is no different than what Wegmans is trying to do.  

i stopped shopping at wegmans when i found out the fresh baked bread is made in rochester and reheated at the stores, just some more wegmans bulls###. i think danny will continue to sell alcohol as long as he continues to induldge, i understand that it goes well with the coke he is rumored to induldge in also. quite the health nut.i haven't shopped in that over priced, overcrowded shi#hole in a long time and won't again. let the little girly man sell what he wants cause i'm not buying any of it. by the way, i think jrg is pretty important in his own mind and likes to hear himself talk  

i'm tired of seeing the special needs employees that work with food picking their noses and handling things people eat and eat with. another good season to stay away. i heard that rumor about danny several times myself, what a role model. keep patting him on the back you bunch of mindless cattle

that rumor is pretty common knowledge around the store, how do you think he stays so thin

how the hell is this story even newsworthy? wasn't there a stabbing or a murder or something even remotely interesting to report on? what a waste of tv time

It's newsworthy because Wegmans is in bed with and advertises With channel 9,more bang for the buck maybe

Good Job Wegmans.  Its a drug addition.  You obviously cannot stop it as you crave the nicotine. I was a smoker for many years so I know. All stores should stop it.  It is a filthy habit and affects all people.  Especially when you walk in places or by someone smoking and then you smell like it too!

so andrea, if it's a drug addition, what are you adding it to?

hey andrea, is it a filthy habit or an addiction? alcoholics are addicted also, they still sell beer. anyone on this wegmans band wagon is a moron.            r

HA HA,We used to call him "Danny the nose"

Moron hell.I quit smoking many years ago and on my 49 birthday I ran the marine corps marathon in a tme of 3 hrs 10 mins.Stop crying and go outside and enjoy your cigarette.

i haven't smokedin 15 yrs. whats that got to with what i said earlier? moron

Ya know I am just thoroughly disgusted with this.  Who are YOU to decided what is good and not good for me?  It's my body and I have that RIGHT to do what I want with it.  Sure I know the consequences of what might happen but that's MY decision.  Not yours.  So if you're gonna play God, Mr. Wegman, why not remove alcohol because lord knows, some of us might become alcoholics (and hey!  There are some who do have a drinking problem so all the more better reason to remove it right?  I mean afterall, you do know what's best for us in Syracuse), remove lottery sales because I might become a gambler too.  Oh hell, why not get rid of the junk food because it's just bad for my arteries.  Shame on me if I get too fat.  I could go on but I'm sure you get the jest of it.  Sure I can  go purchase my smokes elsewhere but because of the fact that YOU decided you think what's good and bad for me, you have lost my respect.  You've lost a customer.

even though I smoke,the more they limit accesability the more i think about quiting.I smoke a pack a day.Thats 35$ a month i would save.

Hey Channel 9 News....here's a thought.......why not do an investigation on Mr. Wegman's coke use? After reading some of these comments, it seems that there could be some truth to it don't ya think?  It's not just one who talked about it.  There's a few here.

Ok....so....if they want us to give it up because it's so bad for us, then why not remove the alcohol too because it's too tempting for the alcoholics when they go grocery shopping?  Or what about the fact that there are so many idiots who drink and then get behind the wheel?

correction thats 35$ a week i would save 140.00 a month1,680 a year

beauford, you are an effing genius

actually it would be 1820 a yr. there are 52 weeks in a year as opposed to 48 weeks in 12 months. i hope i didn't hurt your head

LOL Jim!!!

Christie, you sure opened a "hornet's nest"! I am surprised at some of the comments made between bloggers. Wegman's is going to stop selling cigarettes, fast food chains stopped using unhealthy cooking oils, the housing market is a mess, gas prices are soaring- do you have to be mean in print to people that express their opinion?

I am sure this has already been said, but---Wegman's is a business. They have the right to sell and NOT sell whatever they want. I own my own business. I sell used and rare books and music. I , and only I, pick and choose what will be sold on my site. You, the customer, also have the right to choose. I don't sell Pornography..if you don't like that, go buy somewhere else. Wegman's has chosen to not sell Tobacco products; if you don't like it, shop elsewhere. Plain simple and easy--The American Way!!!

What a bunch of freaking idiots.