It’s been revealed that Japan Tobacco Inc., the country’s largest cigarette seller, asked its employees to cast negative votes in an Internet poll concerning a planned ordinance to ban smoking in public places in Kanagawa Prefecture.

“There is a possibility that similar ordinances could be set by other local governments,” a Japan Tobacco official said. “We asked employees who live in the prefecture to oppose the move. It is our company’s stance to oppose a total ban on smoking.”