Scotland launches measures to tackle public smoking
The Scottish Executive has released a blueprint designed to shake up the way Scotland addresses smoking.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland puts forward a range of measures, including a consultation on smoking in public places, set to take up to six months.
Deputy health minister Tom McCabe believes more has to be done to tackle the issue of smoking in public places, including pubs. "Legislation is clearly an option, but so too is an extension of the voluntary approach," he said. "However, we need to have the backing of the Scottish people and through this debate the public will get the chance to voice an opinion on the issue."
Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said he was wary of the announcement. "It is a war up here between organisations representing the trade on one side and organisations like ASH on the other and it can get a bit dirty," he said.
"However, it does give all sides the chance to discuss the issue. The First Minister is on record as saying that implementing a full ban would be impractical so there are small grounds for optimism."
The Irish smoking ban, due to have started in the new year, will now not be implemented until at least the end of February due to red tape.
Lawyers representing the Irish government are in negotiations with Brussels to ensure the law is watertight and it is this that is causing the delay.
Pictured: Deputy health minister Tom McCabe launches the consultation with Lesley Hinds, the chair of NHS Health Scotland.
