Scottish pubs plan smoke ban walkout

A number of clubs and pubs in Fife are planning to close for one night as part of an ongoing protest against the smoking ban.

The action is due to take place in January to raise awareness of the plight of licensed premises since the ban was introduced.

The licensees want the law relaxed to include provision for ventilated smoking rooms.

They have collected a petition of 9,000 signatures which will be handed in to the Scottish Parliament at the start of the year.

Closing the pubs will get the Executive's attention as it's a protest to get them to look at the law again and let us have a smoking room.​David Nelson, secretary of Glenrothe's CISWO Club

David Nelson, secretary of Glenrothe's Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) Club, told the Dundee Courier: "We don't have a definite date for the action yet but we're aiming to shut every pub and club in Fife on that day.​

"So far 32 premises have said they are willing to shut their doors and we are having another meeting in Cowdenbeath soon so there will no doubt be more."

"Closing the pubs will get the Executive's attention as it's a protest to get them to look at the law again and let us have a smoking room."

The group is also hoping to bus protesters to Edinburgh so they can hold a demonstration to coincide with their petition being discussed by the Scottish Executive.

If you are a registered user​ please click on the 'Post a new comment' link below to talk about this story and others in our discussion forums.​

If you are not a registered user, click on the same button and follow the links to register for free.