"smokers need not apply"

Based on a Times of India report an Irish call center specified in their job advertisement that smokers will not be hired. Since EU anti-discrimination laws cover only four areas (age, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation) companies are free to put other conditions while advertising jobs. I personally feel that smoking during work hours (including people who walk in to an enclosed work place after smoking) leads to discomfort for a majority of people. The periodic need for taking a break to smoke hampers the concentration of not only the smoker but also the other team members. In my personal opinion it also shows a weakness in the smoker to cope up with pressure or stress without using an external stimulant.

It is important for both smokers and non-smokers to realize the myths and facts about smoking. For more information about different countries the world bank provides and excellent website.

Since, smoking is mostly started at an early age (adolescence), it is important to understand the patterns in schools and colleges such that steps can be taken to eradicate smoking. A Youth Tobacco Survey in New Delhi in 2001 by HRIDAY showed that about 10% students (boys 11.1% girls 8.8%) of classes 8th - 10th in the private schools had used tobacco at least once and about 4.5% (boys 5.5% girls 3.1%) were currently using tobacco products. The figures for adult smokers in Delhi is estimated to be about 32% for men and 7% for women.