Apple "refused to repair" smokers' Macs

Posted on 23 Nov 2009 at 12:59

Apple has reportedly refused to repair two Macs because tobacco residue inside the machines poses a health risk.

The Consumerist reports that two separate Apple repair centres in the US—including one of the company’s own retail stores—told customers that they couldn’t repair their Macs because their machines had been contaminated by cigarette smoke.

“When I asked for an explanation, she said he’s a smoker and it’s contaminated with cigarette smoke which they consider a bio-hazard!” one of the customers, who was attempting to get her son’s Mac repaired, told the website.

“I checked my Applecare warranty and it says nothing about not honouring warranties if the owner is a smoker. The Applecare representative said they defer to the technician and my son’s computer cannot be fixed at any Apple Service Centre due to being listed a bio-hazard.”

When the customer complained to Steve Jobs’ office, she was reportedly told that nicotine was listed as a hazardous substance by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration and that the company wouldn’t undertake a repair.

Another customer got a similar answer from an Apple store in Iowa.

“The Apple store called and informed me that due to the computer having been used in a house where there was smoking, that has voided the warranty and they refuse to work on the machine, due to ‘health risks of second hand smoke’,” he said.

Apple was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Author: Barry Collins / Simon Aughton

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous News : General Next >

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.