New Smoking Ban

What do you think about it?

"Good in a way for other people, but some of the rules are a bit silly." Carina

"I think people should still be allowed to smoke in pubs" Rachel

"Smoking is disgusting!" Scott

"There might be fights because of people smoking outside and chatting up other people's partners." Amanda

What is it all about?

From Sunday 26 March 2006 Scotland became smoke-free. Everyone in Scotland now has the right to work and socialise in a smoke-free environment.

Wherever you sign the sign above you are protected by law from the harmful effects of passive smoking. These include an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease and a variety of children's illnesses.

It is illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes. This includes restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, theatres, bingo halls, church halls, sports centres, public transport, schools, hospitals and all clubs.

The law also covers almost all workplaces, including lorries and vans. Smoking indoors at work is no longer allowed, including in any existing designated smoking rooms or areas. So, unless you carry out your job in your own or someone else's home, or in one of the few exempted premises, smoking indoors is against the law. Employers can proved outdoor smoking shelters for their staff and customers but they don't have to.

Q. Why do we need this new law?

A. To protect people from the proven health risks of passive smoking, i.e. breathing second-hand tobacco smoke.

Q. Who will enforce the law?

A. The law will be enforced by local Environmental Health Officers, who will have the power to enter all no-smoking premises to make sure the law is being complied with. they will be able to issue fixed penalty fines to anyone who is committing, or has committed, an offence.

Q. What are the penalties for breaking the law?

A. Individuals who smoke in no-smoking premises could face a fixed penalty fine of £50. Refusal to pay or failure to pay could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. Those in control of no-smoking premises could be fined a fixed penalty of £200 either for allowing people to smoke in their premises or for failing to display warning notices. Refusal to pay or failure to pay could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.

Giving up smoking

If you are a smoker and want to take this opportunity to try to give up, help is available from Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84. Or you can contact your local GP or NHS Board for advice on quitting and the smoking cessation support available in your area.

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