This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Six months of Scotland's smoking ban
26/09/2006
Scotland became the first part of the UK to introduce a smoking ban in enclosed public places six months ago today.
A group of ordinary Scots who say their lives have been improved thanks to the new law joined Health Minister Andy Kerr at Bute House in Edinburgh to mark the anniversary.
Mr Kerr said:
"So far, I've been really encouraged by the extremely positive response we've had for the smoking ban both in Scotland and beyond.
"People across the country are using the ban as an incentive to give up smoking. Others are simply enjoying the opportunity to go out and socialise without having to breathe in second hand smoke.
"But it's in the years to come that I expect to see even bigger benefits. So much of our poor health in Scotland is linked to smoking, and I think this legislation will have a real impact on that in the long term."
Guests invited to the event also gave their comments:
Ellen Humphries lives in Glasgow along with her 14 year old son Richard, who is asthmatic. Until six months ago, Richard's condition meant the family were limited in their social life.
"At big family occasions like weddings or birthday parties Richard could only go for a short while and then had to leave because of his asthma. Now we can go out and enjoy these things as much as anyone else."
Mike McGregor is a retired engineer from Edinburgh, who has asthma, said:
"Before I would only be able to go into a pub for a couple of drinks and then leave while my friends and relatives stayed on enjoying themselves. It really curtailed my social life but the smoking ban has changed that."
Avril Smith is a cook in a children's home in Uphall. She smoked 60 a day before giving up on March 26.
"Now that I've given up I have a totally different outlook on life. I feel clean, I feel happy, I feel healthy, I enjoy my food. I'm so proud of myself for staying off cigarettes. The ban has really helped because there's no temptation when you go to the pub for meals or to a cafe."