[dallasgop]

As I have stated in earlier post, I don't really care too much personally for drug user's, I place tobacco user's in that category. I do favor their ability to user their drug of choice, I would also favor reduced or eliminated criminal penalties for so called "illegal drugs". I feel there are better ways to approach this health issue.
I do support any employers right to screen for the type of employee they want for a position. It has been proven in a variety if studies that tobacco user's are less productive and have higher medical cost. I personally consider anyone who allows themselves to become addicted to drugs to be a looser and has exercised very poor personal judgement.
I am a partner in a small professional services firm, we do not hire tobacco users. I know of one large company in the Dallas area that does not hire smokers nor does it allow any tobacco products onto it's property. You have to sign a form it the front security gate acknowledging that if you are a visitor or you sign a form as part of your hiring HR package. The company is Poly-America.

[Gabz]

I have a hard time with government entities disallowing certain segments of the taxpaying population to apply for taxpayer funded positions based upon the legal use of legal products while not on taxpayer time. And while I respect the right of private firms to hire who they choose, I personally will not knowingly patronize any such business that refuses employment to someone based upon their use of legal products while not on company time.

As to your assertion of tobacco user's being less productive that is sheer anti-smoker propaganda. In my 25+ years of being in the work force I can count exactly how many times I have missed work.....and appendicitis and childbirth have exactly zero association with tobacco use.

In all my years of being self-employed and running several small businesses I have never hired anyone based upon use or non-use of tobacco products - however I have always found smokers to be far more productive workers and pleasant employees. They tend to take less time off and are more willing to pitch in wherever needed without whining about it.

[realpatriot71]

I've always found it cute that some of the same folks who rage on about "illegal" drugs from one side of their mouth light up a cigarette on the opposite side. Everybody loves their personal vices and seem to become quite disgruntled when shown that their attitudes are no different from the "pot heads". The wages of police officers are paid in one shape or form by me and you - tax payers. Furthermore, if you want me to pay for your medical expenses, then stop smoking.

I'd hire cops that smoke as long as they signed a waiver from their health benefits. Want to smoke - pay your own healthcare.

[Madame Dufarge]

It has been proven in a variety if studies that tobacco user's are less productive and have higher medical cost.

Links to the variety of studies, please.