Largo may ban smoking for city employees

If you like to light up, and you're looking for a job, you might want to rethink that thought if you're applying to the city of Largo.

"In this type of economic environment, we have two hundred, three hundred people interviewing for positions. If we have equally qualified individuals, it helps the city if we hire a tobacco-free individual," said Susan Sinz, Human Resources Director for the City of Largo.

And it's not just cigarettes.

"Pipe smoking, cigar smoking, dip, chew…all that falls under that definition of tobacco."

The subject first came up before the city commission in July. Mayor Pat Gerard plans on supporting the policy when it comes up for vote in September.

"We're talking about new hires. So if somebody's a dedicated smoker or has tried to quit and they can't, well, they just can't come to work for the city,” said Gerard. “Certainly we'll continue to help existing employees try to quit. We've had those kind of programs for many years. I think it's a good idea."

Current employees who do smoke would be grandfathered in under the policy.

The Largo police and fire departments have prohibited smoking for almost ten years.

City Commissioner Harriet Crozier thinks the policy is too much, too quick and deserves more scrutiny,

"You don't smoke on city property; you have to go off of property. And then at some point, maybe two or three years down the road then you can implement the next phase in the policy and make it stronger,” she said.

It's an issue that will be watched closely in the city of Largo.