Where There's Smoke, It Wouldn't Lead to Firing (Los Angeles Times): "Los Angeles Times - CHICAGO — A Michigan state lawmaker said Monday that he planned to introduce a bill to bar companies from firing employees for smoking on their own time."

(Via Yahoo! News - Top Stories.)

This is an issue I come down on both sides of. As an employer, I would not appreciate it if the group healthcare premiums go up, and the benefits down, because of a single smoker in say, an office of 100 workers. The smoker is doing something that is really bad for them, in the long run, for 5 minutes pleasure, and taking money from everybody else ("Sorry guys - no raise this year because the healthcare premiums ate it all..."). So, in that case I'm firmly against this action.

However, as an employer, I also understand that personal time is personal. I try not to invade on this too much (I think I've done this, officially, once.) If Jared (my employee) and I are hanging out somewhere and the topic turns to work, I'll yack a bit, but I try my best to not turn social time into work time.) I work hard, and when I do get the chance to take a night off, I don't want to make the Miller (or whatever) Time suddenly Work Time. I'm certain my employees want the same treatment.

On the other hand, fellow sole proprietors are fair game for All Hours Of The Night questions, answers, discussions, and business talk (assuming I can reach them). If I want an answer to a question, I'll ask you, and I don't care if you're working or not (because I probably am.) Kinda a selfish way of looking at it, I guess, but I'll give the same service to you (assuming you can contact me, which means I'm in the office or apartment, and so somewhat available to answer your questions. If the office phone rings, even at midnight or 1AM, I'll pick it up.... assuming I'm there to pick it up, of course.) Now, If I'm given explicit instructions to only call or IM between the hours of X and Y, of course I'll honor those (as I have with others.)

Ok, back to work.