Posted on 09/14/2009 2:24:23 PM PDT by Drango
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. customers who smoke in an Avis or Budget rental car after Oct. 1 will be fined up to $250, the Avis Budget Group said.
The ban makes Avis and Budget the first major car rental companies to ban smoking in a North American fleet, USA Today reported Monday.
"The No. 1 request we get is for a smoke-free car," Avis Budget Group spokesman John Barrows said.
Avis and Budget cars will be inspected on return for the smell of smoke, Barrows said, adding it costs more to clean a smoky car because the car often has to be taken out of service longer.
Hertz lets customers request a smoke-free car but doesn't guarantee it, Hertz spokeswoman Paula Rivera said. Enterprise, Alamo and National have no "across-the-board" smoking ban but many of their locations restrict smoking, said Laura Bryant, a spokeswoman for parent company Enterprise Holdings.
They are private companies and you are technically borrowing their property, plus it costs them money for cleaning. I hate government dictated smoking bans, however, I have no problem with a private company regulating what happens on/in their private property.
Same goes for Marriott. They don't want my bucks? So be it.
My thoughts exactly.
No one is forcing you to rent from these companies; even if you do smoke, there is nothing preventing you from enjoying your cigarette before you get into the car.
Now, if there is a car company that wants to see how economically viable it is to rent cars where smoking is permited, more power to them.
I will, however, go with the no-smoking cars.
>>They are private companies and you are technically borrowing their property, plus it costs them money for cleaning. I hate government dictated smoking bans, however, I have no problem with a private company regulating what happens on/in their private property.<<
Yup. That aligns exactly with my core values.
The following cruise lines prohibit smoking not only in the majority of public areas but also in all their cabins (eliminating any possibility of residual odors), cabin balconies, and even outside public decks.
American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com): Small-ship line ACL is entirely smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited both indoors and on the outside decks.
Azamara Cruises (www.azamaracruises.com): Smoking is banned everywhere aboard Azamara’s two ships with the exception of two small areas: one indoors, in the aft port-side section of the Looking Glass Lounge, the other outdoors, in the starboard forward section of the Pool Deck. Azamara also follows a no-smoking policy on all land components of its cruisetours.
Oceania Cruises (www.oceaniacruises.com): As aboard Azamara (whose ships are more or less identical to Oceania’s), smoking is prohibited except in two areas: one indoors, in the aft port corner of Horizons observation lounge, and one outdoors, in the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck. Cigar and pipe smoking are only permitted in the latter.
Just give Obama more time..... MOO HAHA MOO HAA
Good Move.
Your Honor, that was not me standing on the toilet up next to the ceiling fan holding what looks like a lit cigarette
no sir, definitely wasnt me
The funny thing is that smokers will assert that smoking doesn’t stink???? From hotels to cruise lines, to rental cars, to real estate...The free market says they do!
Works for me. It’s a private company, and I have no problem with them pursuing that policy. If I want a rental I can smoke in, I’ll find another company (I don’t smoke, btw, I’m just sayin’).
I draw the line at them making me wear pants when driving, however.
a lot of new models don’t even come with lighters or ashtrays anymore
“The funny thing is that smokers will assert that smoking doesn’t stink???? “
Nope. Totally disagree with you.
I and many of my friends smoke and we KNOW it stinks.
That’s why I make it a point not to smoke in other peoples houses or cars, even if they give permission.
Hell, I’ve gotten into my own car more than a few times and noticed the stink.
And you can get the stink out if you clean it with the right stuff.
But I agree with the company setting a ‘no smoking’ policy, because it is their property and their right to do so.
I have no problem with them making their own rules but how does a private business “fine” someone? They should use another term, like “penalize” or something.
Marriott used to be my favorite place to stay, but now I don't even consider them because of this. It's their choice of course, I respect that... but I can choose too.
I guess now we can start getting rid of the pointless government smoking bans, right?
They shouldn’t be able to force you to wear pants. However if they put an extremely cold AC vent in the right spot...
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