Reply #68: we (hubby and i, though he runs it) own a business.

[seabeyond]

we provide health insurance. i am going to ask him if the insurance discriminates the smoker and charges more. i will get back to you on that. he is in high tech computer. if he found a highly qualified employee he would be more than willing to pay the extra without a fuss i am sure. they are that hard to find. but then his style of management is different than say mine or my fathers. we are more cost conscience, less employee oriented than husband. he is a giver. scared me at first, but.... i see for whatever reason, it pays off for him in many ways and has been quite a lesson for me

now there is no way i would not hire an employee that smoked even if it cost more. i would simply give them the option of picking up the added cost or not particpate in it. i think most smokers would agree with that.