Scots to ban public smoking

SCOTLAND yesterday moved towards banning smoking in public places, with tough fines for repeat offenders.

Legislation similar to that already in place in Ireland will be launched before Christmas and a target date of spring 2006 is being set for full implementation, First Minister Jack McConnell told the Scottish Parliament.

He said the move was necessary to tackle the country’s “lamentable” health record, and said the ban would have few exemptions.