This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First anniversary of smoking law
26/03/2007
Today marks the first anniversary of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places taking effect.
Scotland was the first part of the UK to enforce a ban through a law which aims to protect the general public from the harmful effects of passive smoking.
Figures out today also show that 46,000 people across Scotland tried to quit smoking last year by contacting cessation services while 70 per cent of the population support the new law and almost 80 per cent consider it a success.
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"Exactly one year ago today, Scotland took the boldest, bravest and biggest step towards improving our nation's health.
"The smoking ban is making a difference where it matters the most, by preventing deaths and helping to keep families together for longer. The number of people in Scotland dying prematurely from heart disease, cancer and stroke is falling dramatically and will continue to fall as a direct result of the ban.
"The decision was controversial at the time. There were those who said it couldn't work. But I am convinced that it has absolutely been the right way forward for Scotland - not just for our nation's health, but for our economy and our tourist industry.
"This country has always been a great place to live, to work, to bring up your children and even just to visit. The smoking ban has made it even better.
"I am incredibly proud that Scotland took the decision to go smoke-free ahead of any other part of the UK and proud too of the way that the people of Scotland made the ban work. It is one of the greatest achievements of devolution."
Health Minister Andy Kerr was with UK Public Health Minister Caroline Flint at a smoking cessation project in Glasgow to mark the first anniversary.
England is preparing to introduce its own legislation prohibiting smoking in public places this summer
Mr Kerr said:
"I'm very proud to be showcasing a smoke-free Scotland to Caroline Flint today.The people I am meeting today in Royston are just some of the hundreds of success stories of people whose lives have improved because they have given up smoking.
"They prove that giving up smoking doesn't just improve your health - it can improve your confidence and empower you to change your life for the better in other ways.
"I have every confidence that the people of England will embrace the ban in the way that the Scots have.I'm also glad that Scots will now be able to visit England and enjoy the same smoke-free environments that they do here.
"The findings of the most recent MRUK study show that 70 per cent of people now support the smoking legislation and almost 80 per cent think the law has been a success.
"The smoking ban was about tackling second-hand smoke in public places.We now want to build on this work by helping smokers to give up and discouraging people from taking up the habit in the first place and that is why we want to raise the smoking age to 18.
"The smoking ban will help people to give up, as the habit is less socially acceptable. Latest statistics show a smoking rate of 24.6 per cent for the first three quarters of 2006, down from 26.2 per cent in 2005 - a greater decrease than in previous years - suggesting that the ban is inspiring people to give up.
"I'm also delighted that figures out today show 46,000 quit attempts and I'm confident that the ban will encourage even more people to quit in years to come."
Ms Flint said:
" Scotland has shown us that smoke free legislation can work.Everyone is protected from the harm of secondhand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing and it also provides a more supportive environment for smokers who wish to give up.
"Projects such as the one we are visiting today illustrate the real difference stopping smoking can make to people's lives. Our visit here is a timely one as we begin our 100-day countdown to a smokefree England ."
At Royston Stress Centre, befrienders give those trying to quit smoking the support and encouragement they need through stress management centres, on top of help from smoking cessation services.
The centre helps people build new skills to cope with stress rather than using smoking to manage it.Some people who have benefited from the befrienders scheme and the support of the stress centre have gone on to find a job after long periods out of work.
Sally Haw, Principal Public Health Adviser for Health Scotland , said:
"The introduction of Scotland 's smoke free legislation was one of the most important changes in public health policy for a generation.
"Health Scotland is currently co-ordinating a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the legislation.One study has already reported a massive improvement in air quality, with an 86 per cent reduction in second-hand smoke in Scottish bars - this will not only benefit the health of bar workers, but anyone who eats or drinks in bars as well."
Maureen Moore, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland , said:
"We are absolutely delighted with the first year of implementation of the ban.ASH Scotland campaigned actively with our coalition partners for nearly a decade to get legislation to control second-hand smoke.
"The end result is comprehensive and world-class: Scotland 's smoking ban is delivering effective protection, something that both ventilation and voluntary approaches failed to do."
Alex Markham, Cancer Research UK 's chief executive, said:
"One year on and the evidence is clear. The Scottish smoking ban is improving the nation's health and we will see many more health gains in the years to come. "The Scots have led the UK on this and have every right to be proud."
Ex-smoker Karen McCrorie, 51, from Dalry in Ayrshire, gave up on March 26 last year.She said:
"I smoked for 32 years and had always wanted to give up when my twin sons were really young but never managed to. The smoking ban was the help I needed as it meant I no longer had the temptation to smoke when I was out socially. Also at work it meant going out to the smoke shelter in all weathers which I didn't want to do.
"I decided to give up on the first day it was introduced last year and I have not smoked for a whole year now. I feel fabulous and much healthier. I have asthma and this was aggravated by smoking but now I can go to the gym with my sons, who are both really proud I have given up. If I had known how great I'd feel I probably would have done it many years ago, and I would encourage every smoker to do the same."