The moving equipment and storage rental company, U-Haul, is the first of its kind to deny job opportunities to applicants who are nicotine users.
The business, which states it is “committed to promoting and empowering a healthy workforce,” announced its controversial stance in an official press release last week.
The new policy will go into effect in the following 21 U.S. states starting on February 1.
Employees hired prior to February will not be affected by the new initiative.
States affected: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.