Can employers refuse to hire smokers?

In an interview with Matthieu Ecoiffier, Gérard Audureau, president of the French anti-smoking association, 'Droits des non-fumeurs' [Non-smokers' Rights], explains why it is unthinkable to refuse to hire a smoker in France. "It's not in the French mindset and no-one wants it. That includes anti-smoking groups. When the Geneva-based World Health Organization drew up contracts that excluded smokers, we clearly stated our opposition. It's real discrimination. Swiss law doesn't prevent them from discriminating. In France it wouldn't work either morally or legally. Tobacco isn't outlawed. There's no reason why smokers should be. It is, however, their duty to abide by rules and regulations in force in the workplace."

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