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Scotland to back smoking ban
Scotland To Back Public Smoking Ban
Ministers are set to agree moves today to give the go-ahead for a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces in Scotland. First Minister Jack McConnell will announce the outcome of the cabinet's deliberations in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.A total ban is expected with fines of up to £3,600 for offenders.
The British Medical Association. the Royal College of Nursing, and the public sector union Unison has issued a joint appeal to Mr McConnell not to compromise on the legislation.
The BMA argues that smoking-related diseases kill 13,000 people a year in Scotland and account for 35,000 hospital admissions.
But the Scottish Licensed Trade Association warns that the move could trigger job losses.
It is against an all-out ban and is calling for a voluntary and phased approach which would also cover sports and social clubs.
Tory MSPs argue that an outright ban is not supported by 75% of the population.
"We feel the voluntary code has been working, can continue to work, and that criminalising smoking with an outright ban is not the best way forward," said a Tory spokesman