Cigarette maker snuffs out workplace smoking

RICHMOND, Va. - Camel cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) is snuffing out smoking in its offices and buildings.

Beginning next year, the use of cigarettes, cigars or pipes will no longer be permitted in the company's offices, conference rooms and elevators. Lighting up already is prohibited on factory floors and in cafeterias.

Spokesman David Howard said Wednesday that Reynolds will still allow the use of smokeless tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, moist snuff and pouches of tobacco called snus.

The nation's second-biggest tobacco company plans to build indoor smoking areas for those still wanting to light up indoors. The no-smoking policy will go into effect once those are built.

Through its subsidiaries, Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Reynolds American also makes Pall Mall cigarettes, Grizzly smokeless tobacco and Vuse-branded electronic cigarettes.