Is Scotland heading for an all-out smoking ban?
Trade leaders in Scotland fear the country is still heading towards an outright smoking ban in pubs - despite an apparent softening on the issue in England and Wales.
Ministers at Holyrood are expected to set out their position on smoking before Christmas after consultation closed on September 30.
The Scottish Executive received more than 35,000 letters and emails - a record number - during the consultation, although it was unable to confirm how many were in favour of a ban.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have now joined the Scottish National Party in calling for an all-out ban on smoking in enclosed places, following a vote at its autumn conference last weekend. Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell has also said he is in favour of a ban following a visit to Ireland.
But in England and Wales health secretary John Reid has offered hope that an outright ban may be averted with lukewarm comments on the issue at the Labour Party Conference.
Gordon Millar, chief executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said that while there were some positive signs for pubs in the rest of the UK, the trade in Scotland was hearing the opposite.
"Health is devolved here and there is now a new parliament, with a new building, that has a real desire to show it can make a difference," he said. "We have the additional problem of Scotland being the sick man of Europe. So our health looks to be in need of action."
Millar vowed to keep fighting against a ban over the next two months. "We have got to lobby as hard as we can on the messages, such as the sales figures coming out of Ireland," he said.
Stuart Ross, chief executive of Belhaven Brewery and a fierce campaigner against the smoking ban, said the Scottish consultation had been compromised by Mr McConnell's comments in favour of a ban, midway through the process.
"We are very positive about reducing the amount of smoking in pubs, but we don't want a sudden ban," he said. "We are not confident because of the situation in Ireland."
Mr Ross pointed out that if a ban on smoking in public places was brought in, sports and social clubs would be exempt as they are classed as private places.
A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said research was still going on at Aberdeen University, which would help ministers make their decision.
"The Scottish Executive has said it will do something on smoking and health," he said. "But it is too early to say what it is going to do."
Pictured: Senior doctors delivered 1,000 letters from Scotland's medical community, calling for a blanket smoking ban, before consultation closed on September 30.
Related articles:
Scotland doctors push for smoking ban (29 September 2004)
Government looks for balance on smoking (27 September 2004)
Reid on smoking: 'Status quo cannot continue' (24 September 2004)
