Smokers smell*
Well, according to a local government in central Japan they do.
They have ordered smokers to complete a 45-minute “decontamination period” between stubbing out their last cigarette and using lifts in the city hall. Well, smelling and passive smoking really.
Staff at the administrative offices of the city of Ikoma, in Nara Prefecture, are being told to either take the stairs after a cigarette break or to wait for three quarters of an hour before using an elevator in the five-storey building.
The office has, however, stopped short of imposing punishments upon anyone who ignores the rule.
You can also read about extra holidays for non-smokers and the rules on smoking breaks.
The full article appears in the Telegraph here.