>>>http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/internet/09/05/pizza.firing.ap/index.html
>>>
>>>If this were a true standard, I would have been fired 1,000 times...
>>
>>Wild...
>>
>>You think that is low. For all of you who smoke, check this out.
>>
>>http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/5136742p-4674180c.html
>
>Personally, if it were up to me, I'd certainly give preference to non-smokers. On the other hand, there have been times when I thought about taking up smoking again just so that I could get that 15 minute break to go outside 7 or 8 times a day like the smokers do.

Smoking is a luxury, not a privilege. If a company tells their employees that they are allowed two 15 minute breaks, and a half hour for lunch, then what the employee chooses to do with it should be their business. I do frown on smokers taking 5 minutes here, 7 minutes there, all day long. And then saying "It doesn't go against by break time!".

I have worked near the top floor of some high buildings, and have seen people ride the elevator to the ground floor, just to have smoke. Come on. They spend more time riding then smoking. Would a employer allow me to take espresso breaks the same way? I don't think so. (But I never tried ;) )