SCOTLAND BANS SMOKING (Nationwide ban in all enclosed public places)

Sky News ^ | November 10, 2004

[Stoat]

Ministers have agreed an outright ban

	VIDEO: Decision Due

SCOTLAND BANS SMOKING

Smoking in enclosed public places will be banned in Scotland under legislation to be launched before Christmas, the First Minister said today.   

Jack McConnell told the Scottish Parliament the legislation would have a target date of spring 2006 for full implementation.

Licensees or employers who fail to enforce the law in their premises will face fines of up to £2,500 - and those who persistently flout the law will face the ultimate sanction of having their licence withdrawn. 

However, the proposals face a rough ride. Publicans have vowed to "fight tooth and nail" against it, backed by polls which show the vast majority of Scots do not favour a total ban. 

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association warns that the move could trigger job losses.

Individuals who smoke in enclosed public areas will face fixed penalty notices with a maximum fine of up to £1,000 for persistent offenders.

Environmental health and local licensing standards officers will be responsible for enforcement.

Private clubs will not be exempt from the ban.

The decision to go for a ban was taken by Scottish ministers at a Cabinet meeting  but was not disclosed until Mr McConnell's statement to MSPs.

He told Parliament that poor diet, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and drug abuse all made Scotland one of the unhealthiest nations in Europe.

"Too many people smoke, and too many people die or fall ill from cancer, stroke and heart disease," he said.

"The single largest cause of preventable premature death in Scotland is smoking."

He detailed the consultation process that the Executive launched on ways to curb the toll of 13,000 smoking-related deaths a year.

[Stoat]

I don't know what the 'pub scene' is like in Poland, Romania and other countries which have been supportive allies (and so are regarded as "new Europe") but I agree; I'm more likely to spend my tourism dollars there rather than in nations whose governments are oppressing their people (as well as tourists).

(Don't misunderstand; I feel indebted to and very proud of Scotland for her support in the War on Terror. Scotland's legendary Black Watch troops were instrumental in freeing up US troops for the current assault on Fallujah, and the Black Watch has taken troop losses. Scotland's support is highly regarded and sincerely appreciated.)

[Stoat]

"The headline is misleading. These are not "public" places. They are private property in many cases. I don't know if Scotland has ever been strong on property rights."

I added the additional title descriptor about the ban applying to public places because that's the way it's referred to in the body of the article. Even though a given venue may be privately owned, they are nevertheless regarded as public places when they are open to public ACCESS. It's the same here in the US...privately ownned bars and restaurants are regarded as 'public places'.

That being said, I agree with your sentiment that this is an infringement upon rights, both those of the property owners as well as that of the patrons. The property rights angle is one of the ways that smoking bans are being fought here in the US.

[Protagoras]

It's the same here in the US...privately ownned bars and restaurants are regarded as 'public places'.

It's wrong here as well.

[Chode]

they ARE public in that you don't need to be a member for admitance like in the VFW, American Legion, Elks, Moose, Eagles, Playboy... anybody old enough can walk in and get served and in that sense they are public houses.
at least that's the way it was explained to me way back when.

[Stoat]

Precisely what I said.

[Feiny]

I can't believe this thread went to 19 posts before the Scottish Law reference. Damn, we are slipping!

[Chode]

sorry... i meant i was agreeing with you in your answer to #38

[prairiebreeze]

Well now, speaking strictly for myself, I've always been a bit partial to the look of a kilt-clad Scot. And the BlackWatch squadron is quite formidable.

Prairie

[Indie]

Private clubs will not be exempt from the ban. ... "Too many people smoke, and too many people die or fall ill from cancer, stroke and heart disease," he said.

Let's ban cars and..well hell let's just ban everything!!
SIEG HEIL!!
SIEG HEIL!!
SIEG HEIL!!

[Republicus2001]

you got that right --- for the elite the phrase actually is "too many people" or the American Eugenics Society or Planned Parenthood or fascism or communism - Statists Drunk again

BTW is the ketchup girl outta rehab yet?

[Republicus2001]

Why not start a movement to ban alcohol from state department soirees? It's for the children - - we're just trying to save lives...

[VermiciousKnid]

Oh well...I guess I'll just scratch Scotland off my list of places to visit one day.

Too bad, too...I'd always wanted to go there.

Regards,