EVERETT, Wash. -  It’s well known that employees in Washington state are no longer allowed to smoke in the workplace. Now one employer is taking steps to make sure its employees don't smoke at all.

KTVB

The board of the Snohomish Health District has just approved a hiring policy that will close the door on smokers.

Some call it discrimination but the health department officials equate it to the relationship between landlords and tenants, and they choose to have workers who are non-smoking.

They say they shouldn't have to absorb extra costs of health care associated with tobacco use.

The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and Alaska Airlines have similar policies.

Tobacco users who already work at the health district will not be affected by the new policy.

The new policy is set to take effect Sept. 1.