JACK McCONNELL, Scotland’s First Minister, said yesterday that a ban on smoking in indoor public places was a “serious option” for Scotland.
Scotland remains the “sick man of Europe” in relation to the number of people suffering from smoking-related diseases and Mr McConnell said that “doing nothing” was not an option.
He told Real Radio: “Banning smoking in some public places at least is a very serious option for us. But we could go further. I want to see how well it is working in practice in Ireland. I want to talk to those living with the ban not just those who implemented it.”
Mr McConnell is due to visit Ireland, where a workplace smoking ban was implemented five months ago, tomorrow to see the effects of the ban on the local economy, particularly the pub trade, and the possible problems of enforcing such a ban.
He said: “There is a growing interest in a total ban, but I do want to be convinced that is is enforceable, that is is practical, that it would be worthwhile for everybody to have that kind of approach. It would be a very radical step, given our culture in Scotland, for us to take but I am interested in the option.”
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A Scottish Executive-led public consultation over a possible indoor smoking ban for public places runs for another month, after which ministers will decide whether or not to introduce legislation.
Mr McConnell admitted that he was more open-minded about the idea than at the beginning of the consultation.
“I have moved from being a sceptic to having an open mind,” he said. “I am concerned about the fact we have one of the most unhealthy records of any country in Europe and that there is a significant problem, particularly among young women and girls, of the number of people smoking.”
During their visit to Ireland Mr McConnell and Tom McCabe, Scotland’s Deputy Health Minister, will meet Michael Martin, the country’s Health Minister, as well as health officials, bar owners and others involved in implementing the smoking ban.