This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister invites views on smoking ban
07/06/2004
A wide-ranging consultation has been launched to
consider the introduction of more smoke-free areas.
Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe said that it marked a
unique opportunity for Scottish people to voice their
opinions on what should be done about smoking in public
places.
Speaking in Glasgow, Mr McCabe said:
"As the single biggest cause of preventable premature
death and ill-health in Scotland, smoking is an issue that
affects us all. It is now estimated that 19,000 Scots die
every year from smoking-related illnesses.
"While less than a third of Scottish people actually
smoke, passive smoking, or second-hand smoke, has been
linked with a range of potentially lethal respiratory
conditions, including lung cancer.
"Many Scots wish to breathe smoke-free air. While we do
not wish to curb smokers' personal choice to smoke, the
health impacts of a smoky atmosphere must be taken into
account. That is why we committed to introducing more smoke
free places in the Partnership Agreement, what remains to
be decided is how this is done.
"Legislation is obviously an option, but all options
will be considered. We are seeking to promote good
citizenship and ensure smokers are aware of how their
second-hand smoke affects others. A voluntary charter being
operated by the licensed trade has yielded some results,
but seven out of 10 pubs still allow smoking throughout
their premises and smoke-free pubs and restaurants are
still few and far between.
"We want to hear all shades of opinion. Organisations
with an interest will get a chance to voice their views and
concerns. Whatever we decide to do, we want to have the
backing of the Scottish people which is why we are
launching today's public consultation.
"The consultation paper contains a range of questions to
gauge public opinion on the issue. I want everyone in
Scotland to be able to have their say. I'll be going along
to a number of seminars over the summer where I can listen
to views and discuss the issue directly with the Scottish
people.
"People will be able to pick up copies of the
consultation, which will only take a few minutes to
complete, from doctors' surgeries, libraries and other
public outlets. Similarly, they can log on and make their
opinion known via the Internet.
"In addition to the public consultation, we are also
undertaking a number of pieces of research to help us reach
the right decisions. This includes looking at international
experience and evidence about the health and economic
impact of action to reduce exposure to second hand
smoke.
"As part of this, we will be looking at the likes of New
York and the Republic of Ireland, both of whom have
recently introduced restrictions on smoking. Their
experiences will feature at a national conference in
Edinburgh in September, where we will hear from a broad
range of expertise from across the world.
"Taking the time to review and consider all the evidence
and the strength of public opinion will provide us with the
strongest possible case for future action."
View
www.smokingconsultation.com
to see the consultation materials and response form.
Members of the public can also obtain a consultation
information pack and response form by calling 0800 027
7127.
The pledge to consult the public on smoking in public
places was first made in the
Tobacco Control Action Plan, which was launched in
January 2004.
In 2002, it was thought that around 1.15 million people
(aged 16 and over) smoked - just over 28 per cent of the
population. It is estimated that at least 20-25% of all
deaths in Scotland result from smoking. Scotland has the
highest rates of lung cancer in Europe for both men and
women, with most cases caused by smoking.
Research has shown that designated non-smoking areas and
ventilation systems have only a limited effect in keeping
the air free from the chemicals contained in tobacco
smoke.
The public forums which Mr McCabe will attend are as
follows:
29/06/04 Dundee - Discovery Point (10.30 - 12.30)
20/07/04 Glasgow - The Royal Concert Hall (11.00 -
13.00)
10/08/04 Inverness - Ramada Jarvis Hotel (19.00 -
21.00)
26/08/04 Aberdeen - Ramada Jarvis Hotel (19.00 -
21.00)
The Scottish Civic Forum will also be holding a series
of public forums for local people to have their say on the
issue. They will be held at:
Mid Scotland and Fife
29/07/04 Memorial Hall, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire (18.00
- 20.00)
03/08/04 Lomond Centre, Glenrothes, Fife (18.00 -
20.00)
Edinburgh and Lothians
05/08/04 Prentice Centre, Granton, Edinburgh (15.00 -
17.00)
31/08/04 Community Centre, Dalkeith (18.00 -
20.00)
West Scotland
07/09/04 The Lounge, Civic Centre, Ardrossan (19.00 -
21.00)
15/09/04 Second Chance Learning Centre, Blairmore Rd,
Greenock (13.00 - 15.00)
Central
25/08/04 Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston
(18.60 - 20.30)
24/08/04 Dawson Centre, Bainston, Falkirk (18/30 -
20.30)
South Scotland
12/08/04 Gateway Centre, Kilmarnock from (18.00 - 21.00)
19/08/04 St. Andrew's Workers Club, St. John Street,
Stranraer (18.00 - 21.00)