Scottish food-led pubs face smoking ban

Scottish food-led pubs could face a smoking ban if radical plans for an Ireland-style ruling go ahead.

According to investigations by Scotland on Sunday, Scottish ministers are in favour of a sweeping ban that will outlaw smoking in restaurants and other public buildings but stop short of a ban in pubs.

Although the proposed ban will not affect traditional boozers it could hit food-led pubs because of the blurring of the boundaries between pubs and restaurants.

Scottish politicians think a ban is the only way to cut the annual 13,000 deaths and 33,500 hospital admissions caused by smoking.

But the Scottish Charter Group, which supports voluntary controls on smoking through the use of signs and ventilation, is likely to fight against such a ban.

According to sources close to the Scottish Parliament, first minister Jack McConnell believes a ban is inevitable and deputy health minister Tom McCabe is also known to be supportive.

The Department of Health is carrying out a consultation to see how far-reaching such a ban should be.

Last week Mr McConnell gave his support to a private member's bill led by MSP Stewart Maxwell.

He said: "I have no doubt that banning smoking in some public places would be the right thing to do. We need to make the right decision about how far to go with such measures."

Anti-smoking pressure group ASH Scotland has given its support to Mr Maxwell's bill.

A spokesman said: "In the absence of UK legislation this bill could make a measurable difference to health in Scotland and is a positive first step towards smoke-free public places."

Some food-led pubs in Scotland already have strict controls on smoking and last month the Lauriston Farm Brewers Fayre in Edinburgh became wholly non-smoking after managers decided a total ban could boost their takings.

The pub's manager Dan Sencier, said: "I'd support a move to ban smoking in eating areas as I would support a complete ban in pubs.

"Since putting in a ban in our pub we have had an increase in trade. Our comments box is full of positive feedback."