INTRODUCTION
The health risks associated with smoking are clear. Each year smoking kills around 13,000 Scots (one in five of all deaths) and is responsible for around 33,500 hospital admissions.
It is estimated the NHS in Scotland spends some £200 million every year treating smoking-related illness. Tackling smoking, therefore, is a key component of the health improvement plan.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland was the first ever tobacco action plan designed specifically for Scotland. The plan was launched in January 2004 offering a programme covering prevention and education, protection and controls and the expansion of smoking cessation services. It also addressed the issue of passive smoking and set out plans for the major public consultations which led to the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005.
Legislation came into force on March 26, 2006, introducing a ban on smoking in enclosed public places. Learn more.