Originally Posted by
rickair7777
AK is well-known for the non-tobacco thing. The reason that they can ask that is because while tobacco use is not illegal, it is also not a protected right. The constitution does not guarantee it's use, or outlaw discrimination based on that. Actually a number of large companies are going tobacco free...lowers insurance premiums.
Tobacco free workplaces and insurance surcharges are one thing. Not hiring someone b/c they chose to smoke tobacco in their free time is the same as not hiring someone b/c they drink alcohol in their free time. The company can regulate it all they want at work, but they are coming up against legal challenges when they try to reach into your personal life. The first round of lawsuits have been levied against companies who tried to fire people for smoking off duty off company property. I don't personally smoke, but I like beer. I don't want a slippery slope where companies start trying to limit anything that could make you a higher insurance premium.