New moves for Scottish smoking ban

Scottish pubs are to push the case for smoking self regulation in a consultation on lighting up in public planned by the Scottish Executive.

If there is enough public support a compulsory ban on smoking in pubs and bars could be back on the agenda despite previous indications by the controlling Scottish Labour Party that it would follow the UK government line and back voluntary curbs.

There is a strong anti-smoking lobby gathering behind Scotland's chief medical officer, Mac Armstrong, who has said he will "pursue bold actions supporting the choice of non-smokers to breathe clean air in public places". His allies include Professor Alan Rodger, now working in Glasgow. Prof Rodger played a key role in a lobbying campaign which saw smoking banned in bars in Melbourne, Australia.

The Scottish pub trade argues that it has made significant progress in implementing the Public Places Charter.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said compliance with the charter in terms of signage (pictured)​ and no-smoking areas had been "surprisingly good," given the fragmented nature of the Scottish trade.

He said: "As in England and Wales, some outlets are falling down on the requirement to have a written policy."

Mr Watterson said the strength of the health lobby had put the Scottish Executive under pressure, and pledged that the trade would continue to work with the authorities to push the case for voluntary regulation, as well as to push forward compliance with the charter.