Do you think denying someone a job because they are a smoker should be allowed?

1. 79

   nikki_mposted 12 years ago

   Do you think denying someone a job because they are a smoker should be allowed?
   
   Currently, many employers (especially those in the healthcare field) will deny applicants because they are a smoker, without asking about any other potentially harmful habits, such as drinking, diet, etc. Should employers be allowed to discriminate against smokers in this way?

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2. 61

   freecampingaussieposted 12 years ago

   I guess it depends on the job . As a non smoker I am amazed at how many breaks a smoker can get away with compared to a non smoker so it seems that people prefer those not needing continual smoke breaks .
   Other harmful habits dont cause the same breaks needed like smoking - thats the diference or
   
   What a person eats or drinks doesn't  make other people ill or stink like smoking does. Its horrible being near someone smoking as it makes you cough , then you have to wash your clothes & have a shower to get rid of the smell.

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3. 60

   professionalhubposted 12 years ago

   I think its unfair.He should not be allowed smoking in the office .No job no life .If he is refused from job i am afraid he will become victim of more harmful drugs

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4. 60

   Winflow FGposted 12 years ago

   It shouldn't be allowed. But it comes down to the job that you will be doing, and if you need to smoke during the time you're working.
   
   If you work in a restaurant, or in a customer environment then I can understand people not being employed. But in an office environment then I don't see the problem. As long as the person is completing their work.

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5. 0

   PWalker281posted 12 years ago

   If "not smoking" is a bona fide occupational qualification - i.e., if "not smoking" is critical to successful job performance - then yes, you can deny a job to a person who smokes. The employer would have to be able to prove that "smoking" interferes with successful job performance.
   
   On the other hand, if not smoking has nothing to do with successful performance of the job, then I'd call not hiring someone because they smoke discrimination.
   
   If the building where the job is located has a "no smoking" policy, then obviously the person who smokes must abide by it, but not hiring them because they smoke when 'not smoking' isn't related to being able to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job isn't lawful in my opinion.

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6. 61

   Fotographerposted 12 years ago

   It seems unfair to us, but if you were an employer wouldn't you prefer non-smokers?

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