Discrimination ok, if based on religion? what else then?

Thats the very question I have asked when my work place has clients that smoke, though when asked by those clients to have a cigarette with them I must refuse and go outside. This is the perfect time of year to bring this up as its snowing, blowing and cold outside as I type. I want to agree with you, but regardless of what people may say is unfair the fact remains that smoking is a huge cost to the health care system (Canada) and smoking does in fact kill people. Vegans don't have to eat what they serve, people who fear load music can get earplugs, but waitresses can't wear gas masks while serving your food.I completely understand the absurdities of smoking bans in some situations (such as at my workplace). The government must draw a line somewhere, and I think a general ban on smoking in public buildings is the most logical line in the sand.(My workplace also has a ban on perfumes and colognes by its staff, but not its clients)Edited by Vacate, : My quote got lost in the void

I need to type faster. You ruined my arguments before I even completed my post The point I want to make is that the cost associated with vegans or hearing damaged waitresses is limited compared to the costs that come from smoking. The government cannot make laws that will fix each and every issue people may have, but it does make sense that they would do something about the most costly.One can say that the vegans and the hearing concerned could just find a different job - but a waitress without the money or education to find a better job is very limited on job choices. Vegans could be in the same predicament - but their numbers are much fewer. ( and they likely wont die from fainting, puking, or becoming violent )