Scotland may follow Ireland’s lead in banning smoking from workplace

SCOTLAND’S first minister yesterday gave the strongest indication yet that the country would soon follow Ireland’s lead in introducing a workplace smoking ban.

Jack McConnell said during a visit to Dublin that the clear popularity of the ban and the level of compliance had been overwhelming and hugely influential.

“I am certainly more convinced now that at the very least something approaching an all-out ban is enforceable, practical and desirable in Scotland,” he said.

He confirmed an announcement would be made before Christmas as to the extent smoking will be banned in public places.

Until yesterday, Mr McConnell had professed to being very sceptical of a blanket ban but said the reaction to the fledgling law in Ireland had been impressive.

The visit is part of a Scottish Executive-led public consultation on a potential ban, which is due to end next month.

Health Minister Micheál Martin advised Mr McConnell not to be worried about the backlash.

“The ordinary punter on the street wanted this to happen and it is they who made it happen. It has turned out to be a very popular measure and has transformed lives,” he said.

It took Ireland one year to move from the initial stages of legislation to enforcement, meaning Scottish smokers could be banished outside by the end of next year.

Mr McConnell’s flying visit to Dublin allowed him to enjoy a pint with locals while listening to their views on the ban.

Both he and his Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe said the trip would play an important role in the final decision made in Scotland.

“One million Scots smoke and 70% say they want to give up,” Mr McConnell said. “The smoking ban might provide them with this opportunity. It is clear people are using the opportunity to give up smoking and lengthen their lives as a result,” he said.

He said that having seen it with his own eyes and having returned home from a night out wearing a smoke-free suit, his opinion had been changed.

Mr Martin reassured the first minister that the expected political hiccups had never really materialised, although he stressed that having virtually total parliamentary unity had been a huge benefit.

The workplace smoking ban was introduced in Ireland on March 29. The Office of Tobacco Control’s recent report on the ban found a 97% compliance rate, with 89% displaying the required No Smoking signs. Some 82% have voiced support for the ban.

Health campaigners were quick to highlight the economic and health benefits of the new law, denouncing pub traders’ complaints as “scaremongering”.

Dublin-based vintners claim trade has dropped by up to 15%. But a shortlived rebellion led by a Galway publican was quashed within two days last July.

Health inspectors can issue fines of up to €3,000 to anyone caught smoking illegally. The first publican to be prosecuted for flouting the law was fined €1,700 last month. Legal action is pending against a number of other owners.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the British Government to follow suit.