Cigarette Company Finally Puts Out the Smoking Lamp

Reynolds American Inc., the company that manufactures Camel cigarettes, has finally banned smoking inside of its facilities.

Previously, employees were permitted to light up practically anywhere while at work, including at their desks. But Reynolds American Inc.’s new no-smoking policy will prohibit the use of all traditional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.

According to Reynolds American Inc. spokesman David Howard, the company’s new tobacco use policy will benefit all employees. “We believe it’s the right thing to do and the right time to do it because updating our tobacco use policies will better accommodate both non-smokers and smokers who work in and visit our facilities,” Howard said. “We’re just better aligning our tobacco use policies with the realities of what you’re seeing in society today.”

While it may seem like employees who work at a cigarette manufacturing plant would be more likely to pick up the habit, the Reynolds American Inc. employee smoking rate is about the same as the rest of the nation, which is approximately 18%.

Reynolds American Inc. plans to build designated smoking areas for those who wish to continue their habit, and will still allow the use of electronic cigarettes, moist snuff, Eclipse, and the finely milled tobacco "snoose."