Marie-Louise Ekholm, a Nassjo councilor who is a doctor by profession and a member of the Moderate party, argues that a healthier life is insufficient reward for quitting or never starting smoking. She has formally submitted her proposal for an extra day off to the local council, Sweden's The Local reported Sunday.

Non-smokers get sick less, take fewer breaks and are less of a burden on society and should therefore get an extra day's holiday, she argued.

Ekholm has been in the spotlight previously after claiming Swedish society's 'loose' sexual attitudes have led to a dramatic increase in sexually transmitted diseases among young people.