Scotland has taken radical action to stub out smoking - from the 2006 ban on smoking in public places to the current plans to end tobacco displays in shops and ban sales from vending machines.
These bold measures are necessary because of the clear health risks associated with smoking.
Each year smoking:
- kills around 13,500 Scots (one in five of all deaths)
- is responsible for around 33,500 hospital admissions
- costs the NHS in Scotland around £200 million to treat smoking-related illness.
What's happening now?
In February 2009, The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill proposed further measures to reduce smoking by banning vending machines and displays. The legislation is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament and the Stage 1 debate took place on Thursday, September 24.
What's already happened?
From March 26, 2006 it became illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes. This includes restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, theatres, bingo halls, church halls, sports centres, shopping centres, public transport, schools, hospitals and all clubs. It also covers almost all workplaces, including lorries and vans.
There are few exemptions to the law. These include residential accommodation, designated rooms in adult care homes and psychiatric hospitals and units and designated hotel bedrooms.
Link to Smoke-free Legislation
On October 1, 2007, the minimum age for buying cigarettes was raised from 16 to 18.