26 Mar 2006
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Smoking in all public areas, including bars and restaurants, banned from 26 March
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26 March 2006
On 26 March, Scotland became the first part of the United Kingdom to ban smoking in public places.
The ban entails a comprehensive range of measures:
- Smoking in an enclosed public place is subject to a £50 fine
- Operators of premises face fines of £200 for allowing others to smoke or for failing to display warnings
- The ban will be enforced by environmental health officers
- 'No smoking' signs will carry a named person to whom a complaint can be made
- Complaints can also be logged by calling 0845 130 7250
- The ban covers most indoor places and workplaces, not homes
- Smoking will be allowed in shelters which comply with regulations
The ban has been widely welcomed, with First Minister Jack McConnell calling it Scotland's 'largest single step to improve its health for generations'.
A survey has indicated that, of non-smokers, 37% would be more likely to visit pubs and restaurants once the ban was in place – although the Scottish Licensed Trade Association has expressed a fear that 140 pubs could close and 2,500 jobs may be lost.
A similar ban will come into force in England in 2007 – click here for more information.
(Source: BBC News Online, 26 March 2006)