This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ministers move to break the smoking habit
10/11/2004
The Scottish government today took the first steps
towards a comprehensive ban on smoking in public
places.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, First
Minister Jack McConnell outlined plans for the ban which
should be in place by spring 2006.
The government's proposals:
- To seek a comprehensive ban on
smoking in all enclosed public places in Scotland
- The legislation will be enforced
by Environmental Health and Local Licensing
Officers
- Licensees or employers who fail
to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of
£2,500
- Licensees who persistently refuse
to comply with the law will face the ultimate sanction
of losing their liquor licence
- To examine a system of issuing
fixed penalty notices for those individuals who break
the law. Those individuals who persistently break the
law will face a maximum fine of £1,000
The legislation will be introduced through the
forthcoming Health Service (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill,
which will be introduced to Parliament before
Christmas.
Read the full statement
Mr McConnell said:
"A comprehensive ban will be a clear signal that
Scotland has changed. It will reduce smoking, save lives
and help transform our national health. It will be easier
to enforce and simpler to understand than other options
that would fall short of that.
"We will take the steps to implement this decision
together with those affected, not simply to impose it on
those who are addicted, or worried about their
business.
"I believe that there is no greater action we can take
to improve the well-being of children and families in
Scotland, for generations to come, than to secure this
legislation and make Scotland's public places smoke
free.
"But more than anything, the reason why smoking in
public places should be illegal is because of the message
it sends about our nation.
"No longer will Scotland be the place in Europe most
associated with poor health, and no longer does Scotland
need to wait for someone else to take responsibility for
difficult decisions."
The Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace, said:
"Like, I am sure, many others my decision to ban smoking
in enclosed public spaces has been a personal journey.
"Our determination to improve health is the key reason
behind Ministers' decision. Given the mounting medical
evidence and the astonishing public engagement in the
debate we have to act.
"Something good and innovative is about to happen in
Scotland. I certainly believe that the case for a ban is
now incontestable, the support overwhelming.
"It will have worldwide appeal. Potentially there is a
opportunity here for Scottish business. They should seize
that chance. I am in no doubt at all that this move is in
the best long term interests of Scotland's health and
economic well-being."
Read the full statement