In light of U-Haul’s recent announcement it will no longer hire nicotine users in many states, Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Tim Garrett discussed the laws governing this company policy. Many states, such as Tennessee, implemented laws decades ago that protect smokers.
However, as Tim cautions, Tennessee’s “statute is silent as to whether this protects someone from not being hired.” Tim speculates that “employers will likely be watching closely how refusing to hire smokers pans out since there are many other lifestyle choices that affect health.”
The full article, “Can Tennessee Employers Refuse To Hire A Smoker?” was released by WPLN – Nashville Public Radio on January 5, 2020, and is available online.