Out-Law / Your Daily Need-To-Know
Scottish workplaces are now largely smoke free, following the coming into force of a ban on smoking in enclosed public places. While the media has focused on the impact of the ban on pubs, it will affect most businesses in the country.
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.
