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Scotland is Set to
Follow Ireland And Ban Smoking in Public Places
 Scotland is set to follow Ireland and ban smoking in public places following
an announcement from First Minister Jack McConnell in the Scottish
Parliament this week. Pubs and restaurants in North Ayrshire are set to be
smoke-free from 2006 and Allan Wilson MSP believes the ban can help improve
Scotland’s appalling health record.
The announcement follows on from the Executive’s Smoking in Public Places
consultation, which with nearly 54,000 respondents makes it the most
successful consultation since devolution.
Commenting on the announcement Allan Wilson said:
“Evidence from both Ireland and New York has shown that a smoking ban is
both workable and desirable. I believe it can play an important part in
improving Scotland’s health record. The Executive’s own consultation proved
that this is an issue of great public interest. It also highlighted that
there is a clear majority who wish to see further restrictions to reduce
people’s exposure to second-hand smoke.”
The Cunninghame North MSP also highlighted the constituency’s health record,
which he believes dictates the need for action. Allan Wilson added
“The clinical advice and research available make the link between passive
smoking and ill-health. While people may have a right to smoke I believe
that they do not have the right to pollute the environment of others in
public places. The effects of passive smoking on the 7 out of 10 people who
choose not to smoke can be extremely serious.”
“Scotland’s cancer statistics are also amongst the worst in the world and
each year smoking related illnesses kill 19,300 Scots. This amounts to an
unbelievable 1 in 5 of all deaths in Scotland with only a marginal
improvement in this constituency. The number of lives lost and the amount of
money the NHS spends on treating the effects of smoking is quite simply
staggering. I think any responsible government has a duty to address this
issue.”
“I do recognise that there are concerns about the potential economic impact
from the licensed trade, but this does have to be balanced against the
health benefits. I was therefore glad that the First Minister indicated that
he will continue to work with trade associations to minimise this impact.”
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