The health risks associated with smoking are clear. Each year smoking kills around 13,500 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 drive.
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, which introduced one of the most comprehensive bans on smoking in public places in the world.
From March 26, 2006 it became illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes. This includes restaurants, bares, cafes, hotels, theatres, bingo halls, church halls, sports centres, shopping centres, public transport, schools, hospitals and all clubs. It also covers almost all workplaces, including lorries and vans.
There are few exemptions to the law. These include residential accommodation, designated rooms in adult care homes and psychiatric hospitals and units and designated hotel bedrooms.
The link to the Clearing the Air Scotland website.
In May 2008 the Scottish Government published a new Smoking Prevention Action Plan "Scotland's Future is Smoke-free" setting out an ambitious programme of measures designed specifically to dissuade children and young people from smoking. This seeks to build upon the significant progress which has been made in recent years to shift cultural attitudes to smoking.
And in February 2009, The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill proposed further measures to reduce smoking by banning vending machines and displays.