Scots consider smoking ban
Smoking in public places could be banned north of the border under radical plans mooted in the Scottish parliament.
The Scottish Executive will launch a public consultation exercise, asking the public for their views on the subject. The Executive’s Tobacco Action Plan is due to be published in the next fortnight.
A ban is already in place in Ireland and parts of America, including urban centres New York City and California.
Deputy health minister Tom McCabe said the Executive wanted to dramatically cut cancer rates in Scotland and a total ban would be a step along the way to reducing the 13,000 deaths from tobacco-related illnesses each year.
“We want to see a society in which everybody aspires to live a healthy, smoke-free life and has access to the support that can help them realise this ambition.
“A smoke-free Scotland may be a long-term vision but it is a vision that demands our action,” he said.
SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell is to introduce a Private Member’s Bill next month banning smoking in places where food is served.
Dr Richard Sullivan, head of clinical programmes at Cancer Research UK, said he welcomed the “proactive” stance on passive smoking.
“It is a very important issue, especially for Scottish men and women where the rates (of smoking related illnesses) are higher.
“This move for a public consultation brings it into the wider forum and will help explain the serious dangers of smoking to the public.”
