The American truck and trailer rental company U-Haul International has announced plans to stop interviewing and hiring nicotine users, The Arizona Republic reported.

The nicotine-free policy, which also includes e-cigarettes and vaping products, will take effect in Arizona and 20 other states where the company operates from 1 Feb, the report said. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
The Phoenix-based company, which employs around 4,000 people in Arizona and 30,000 across the US and Canada, expects the policy to contribute to a healthier corporate culture. Arizona is one of 21 states where it is legal not to hire people who consume nicotine, according to the company.
"In our continued efforts to enhance our wellness program and decrease healthcare costs, we have become more aware of the medical side effects of using nicotine and tobacco products," Jessica Lopez, U-Haul's chief of staff, told The Arizona Republic.
Smoking employees hired before the policy goes into effect won’t be affected, the report said.