I almost instinctively tend to give a wide berth to places where I smell tobacco smoke: taxi, even if I am in a hurry; restaurant, even if I am famished; cinema, even if it’s my favourite actress’s blockbuster; and, of course, people who smoke: friends and foes, kith and kin. However, despite many a vice relating to smoking, it seems it pays to smoke, for such an activity will prevent you from losing your job.

Last week, one unconventional news made headlines in Western media: a German boss fired some of his employees for demanding a smoke-free workplace. And the rationale behind their sacking: the boss in question is a smoker and considers the little death sticks

a de-stressor! Furthermore, the enraged chief made it clear that henceforth, he would employ only smokers, as a revenge on non-smokers.

That much of Europe has prohibited smoking in public places fails, obviously, to make everyone a happy camper. Ditto for non-smokers as, if they mention ‘non-smoker’ in their curriculum vitae, the same is likely to become their Achilles’ heel and reduce their chances of getting any coveted post. Hence, prior to applying for it, it may be advisable to inquire whether your possible employer smokes or not.

Whatever such smoking dilemmas, workplaces in countries that have prohibited smoking in public places are likely to undergo a sea change: now on, such places, for instance, will have a ‘corner in the premises’ earmarked for smokers, thus ensuring a win-win solution for both smokers and non-smokers.

This is a welcome move for it’s not really wise to expect bosses to do away with their habits — good or bad — simply because their employees cannot put up with such habits.

Not only workplaces, even eateries are given a deadline to make a separate place for smokers.

Hence, the owners of ‘great’ restaurants in many countries are, broken-heartedly, taking to destroy expensive and ancient art deco features of their property and remodel them to earmark a corner for puffing away so as not to lose smoking clientele.

Hence, as far as smoking is concerned, ‘bosses’ are to take measures not only in regard to their staff but also to their costumers.