Scottish fears rise over smoking ban

Scottish licensees fear a smoking ban is a step closer after reports that ministers were to give it support.

The Scotsman newspaper reported that deputy health minister Tom McCabe is now considering only a one year wait before a draft bill is introduced on a ban, and favours it in all 5,100 pubs in Scotland.

The paper quoted a source close to Mr McCabe, who said: "Although he is waiting for the end of the consultation he is very much of the view that there should be a ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants."

The report is typical of the national media in Scotland where reports are invariably in favour of a smoking ban.

This has angered licensees in who are starting to feel that the ban is almost inevitable.

Craig Martin, licensee at Acanthus in Edinburgh, said: "There's a certain amount of apathy among licensees here who now feel a ban will happen whatever we do. It's a shame because I believe self regulation will work and if a ban does come into effect I will lose a hell of a lot of business."

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensees Trade Association, said: "When it comes to alcohol and binge drinking we get fair coverage but the press is pro a smoking ban, the trade can't even get a toe hold. Even research which proves ventilation makes a difference won't make it to the papers."

The Scottish Executive has denied that the report in the Scotsman was true and claimed that the consultation process is still important.

It is holding a number of the forums throughout the country as part of the exercise that began earlier this month and will run until September. The consultation will be used to form policy on a ban.

A spokesman said: "What was reported in the Scotsman is not the case. We are involved in a consultation process and we are committed to that. No decisions will be made until that has been completed."