Jewel Coupon Policy Clarification

In my post for this week's Jewel deals I also posted this:

One last bit of info that I found out today, Jewel will no longer be allowing the use of coupons when the value is greater than the value of the item. They will no longer reduce the value of the coupon to the price of the item. You won't be able to use the coupon on that item. As an example, today I used the $1.00 off Scotch Brite coupon on .99 sponges. This will no longer be allowed. One of the really nice customer service reps was helping me at the USCAN today and told me that just came out in a memo to all the stores yesterday. She let my coupons fly today, but it won't be allowed any longer. Go quickly and get those sponges before all the cashiers get the memo!! :) (I almost felt like I was in Wal-mart instead of Jewel!)

I wanted to get some clarification on this for all of us.  Barb over at CW is the Jewel expert.  When it comes to ANYTHING Jewel related she is the go to person.  I sent her a message over at CW asking if she knew anything about this change in coupon policy and this is what she explains:

"I was told that by the CSR...but then she GAVE ME a copy of the policy and it wasn't in there. I am guessing it may be in the paperwork they actually sign?

The CSR and I also discussed that on the Jewel side for items that scan higher then have a preferred price those types of coupons don't beep so the cashiers should allow them as they are to scan all coupons (without inspecting them) and only question what beeps.

Waiting to see how it plays out. Thanks for letting me know you heard it too.

I bought 56 Stayfree yesterday...$1.99 but they SCAN $3.49 with $1.50 preferred so none of the 56 $2/1 coupons beeped."

Hopefully this is actually how it will play out at the register, we can only wait and see.  Please report back if you have an experience that proves or disproves this scenario.  (Oh My Goodness!!  Did she say 56 Stayfree?!?!  That's A LOT of pads!)