Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights Recognizes Avis Budget Group, Inc. for Landmark Smokefree Rental Car Policy

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights announced Avis Budget Group, Inc. as the winner of its "National Smokefree Business Award." The award was presented to Larry De Shon, Avis Budget Group's Executive Vice President of Operations, at a ceremony Wednesday at San Francisco International Airport.

"This national award is a way to recognize the significance of the Avis and Budget smokefree rental car policy," said Cynthia Hallett, ANR Executive Director.

Adopted in late 2009, the policy applies to the entire North American fleets of Avis and Budget and is backed up with a $250 cleaning fee for violations, similar to the now-common smokefree policies of many hotel brands.

With information now available about the hazards of tobacco smoke residue (or "thirdhand smoke") coming from fabrics and surfaces, smokefree rental car fleets not only make for happier customers, but healthier customers as well. In addition, Avis and Budget employees are no longer routinely subjected to secondhand or thirdhand smoke as they clean and maintain the vehicles.

"Thanks to this landmark move by the Avis Budget Group, nonsmokers are breathing easier while traveling and other car rental companies are beginning to follow suit," said Hallett.  "We are grateful to Avis Budget Group for their leadership on this important health issue."

Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights (www.no-smoke.org) is a membership organization formed in 1976 and dedicated to promoting people's right to breathe clean air in the workplace and enclosed public places throughout the United States and around the globe.

SOURCE Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights