Scottish licensees fear ban on smoking in pubs

Licensees in Scotland are concerned that they could be facing stricter restrictions on smoking in pubs.

The Scottish Executive is rumoured to be launching a new action plan to encourage more pubs and bars to become smoke-free as it awaits the results of the Scottish Smoking Charter.

Trade leaders in Scotland are currently collating the results of the industry Charter which requires 56 per cent of public places to promotes self-regulation on smoking through the use of signage, good ventilation and no-smoking areas where possible.

But Scottish licensees are fearful that they may be facing stricter controls following the disappointing response of the UK government to the success of the Charter in England and Wales.

Last month the Charter Group revealed that 63 per cent of pubs in England and Wales are now Charter-compliant - beating the minimum 50 per cent requirement.

But the Department of Health has distanced itself from the findings claiming that "more must be done and rapidly" .

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "If we achieve the minimum targets they should not turn round and change the goal posts."

Meanwhile, concerns over smoking bans in pubs were raised again this week when the latest research from Ireland revealed that over 67 per cent of people support the move. A survey published by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) shows support for the ban in the Emerald Isle was significantly higher than previous polls.

The OTC is also highlighting the fact that support for the measure is growing amongst smokers, with four out of 10 also in favour of a ban.