Scotland could take health lead with ban on smoking in public (fwd)

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

Scotland could take health lead with ban on smoking in public
by The Scotsman via NewsEdge
Source: NewsEdge, Friday, 8/20/99

The Scotsman via NewsEdge Corporation : A CONTROVERSIAL move to ban
smoking in public places in Scotland is to be considered by MSPs, it
emerged last night.

Members of the parliament's health committee are to be asked to initiate
legislation to end smoking in pubs, restaurants and sports facilities.

A survey of the 11-strong committee which, unlike those at Westminster,
has the power to propose legislation, showed a majority in favour of the
move which will be bitterly opposed by the pro-smoking lobby.

Hugh Henry, a member of the committee, said that new research indicating
that passive smokers stood an increased chance of suffering a stroke
strengthened the case for the ban.

Mr Henry, the Labour MSP for Paisley South said: "The committee needs to
introduce legislation to eliminate smoking in public places such as
restaurants, pubs and sporting facilities where members of the public
gather - particularly where young children are going to be exposed to
smoking. There is no excuse."

The survey, by BBC Scotland, indicated there was a majority in favour of
taking action - with six members backing the ban, four against and one
member undecided.

However, Mary Scanlon, a Conservative member of the committee, last night
predicted there would be bitter opposition to the idea.

She said: "This is a touch of the nanny state. The government cannot
control every moment of your life. They cannot dictate everything you do.

"It is up to the individual and individual choice. Individuals have to
take responsibility for the effect that smoking has on their health and
the health of those around them."

The idea of a ban won backing from the Scottish National Party which said
that the parliament must take action to protect workers from the dangers
of passive smoking.

Also citing the research on passive smoking, which has been published in
New Zealand, Duncan Hamilton, an SNP health spokesman, said the issue was
a health priority.

Mr Hamilton said the health committee should examine research from around
the world and develop new regulations to curb workplace smoking.

He said: "This issue should be given increased prominence in the debate
over public health in Scotland.

"In comparison to many other countries we have very lax regulations.

"The workplace is a perfect example of the kind of problems people face.  
The only restrictions in current law ban smoking only where there is a
specifically-designed hazard or in areas where food is being prepared.

"There is enormous discretion given to employers allowing these rules to
be circumvented."

Mr Hamilton added: "I want to see Scotland taking a lead in this field.

"We have appalling problems in public health and there is no doubt that
smoking is a major killer in our country."

<<The Scotsman -- 08-18-99>>