Scotts Co., a Massachusetts based lawn-care company, has fired an employee for testing positive for nicotine. 30-year old Scott Rodrigues was fired after a urine test showed positive for nicotine.

While there is almost certainly a lawsuit (Rodrigues has hired an attorney) forthcoming, I hope Rodrigues loses. We frequently hear about the extraordinary cost of healthcare, and one of the factors rarely, if ever, mentioned is the expense incurred on? all of us for people who choose to live unhealthy lifestyles.

If Scotts Co. is trying to reduce healthcare expenses by having only non-smokers on their staff, then as a private company, that is their right. Rodrigues took the job knowing the rules, broke them and was fired. Scotts Co. can replace him with a healthier employee, one less likely to negatively impact their health insurance rates.

If it is as simple as the owner(s) of Scotts Co. not wanting smokers on their staff, well then God bless them.

I sure hope that all those people across this country supporting non-smoking laws in restaurants, bars, cities, (Calabasas, CA) and even in some condos and apartments get behind this 100%. If not, please explain to me why. Thank you.