The new rules came into effect at 6am yesterday, making
it illegal to smoke in Scottish restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels,
theatres, bingo halls, church halls, sports centres, shopping
centres, public transport, schools, hospitals, clubs, and
workplaces, including lorries and vans.
In particular, the new rules largely prohibit the use of
designated smoking rooms within premises.
The controversial ban has been the subject of debate throughout
the UK for several years, following the introduction of a complete
ban on smoking in public places in the Republic of Ireland in March
2004.
Scotland is the first part of the UK to impose a ban, the aim of
which is to reduce the harmful effects of passive smoking. The
Scottish Executive hopes that the country’s health and productivity
will increase as a result.
English MPs voted in February to follow suit, and will ban
smoking in all enclosed areas except private homes, residential
care homes, hospitals, prisons and hotel bedrooms, from the summer
of 2007.
"Scotland will be proud that it has gone smoke-free ahead of any
other part of the UK. The smoking ban is absolutely the right way
forward. It is right for Scotland, for our nation's health, our
nation's economy and our tourist industry,” said First Minister
Jack McConnell, yesterday.
