Scotland faces up to smoking ban
Pubs in Scotland face losing their licence if they allow customers to light up on their premises under the country's upcoming smoking ban.
Under plans revealed by the Scottish Executive, pubs which flout the ban could find they lose their licence under the new licensing regime being planned in Scotland.
The Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill will make it an offence for pubs to permit anyone to smoke on their premises, and an offence not to display warning notices. It will also be an offence for smokers to light up in no-smoking areas.
Premises falling within the regulations will include all wholly-enclosed pubs to which the public have access, all premises used as a place of work by employees, and all places which are being used as a club or other unincorporated association.
The Executive is hoping the Bill will receive Royal Assent in the autumn and become law in the spring of 2006.
Health Minister Andy Kerr described the Bill as the most important piece of public health legislation in a generation. "It's time to clear Scotland's air so that we can all look forward to a brighter, healthier future," he said.
"The majority of Scots don't smoke - 70 per cent - and of those who do smoke 70 per cent want to give up. This ban will give individuals the opportunity to cut down or stop and we will help them. It will also give their children and grandchildren the opportunity to grow up with less pressure to smoke.
"This will be a comprehensive ban that will cover all enclosed public places - including all licensed premises. Improvement of public health cannot and will not stop at the door of the public house."
For further details on the ban visit www.smokefreescotland.com