Scotland: time to rethink smoking ban
Tomorrow is the fifth anniversary of the smoking ban in Scotland. Forest has issued the following press release:
TIME TO RETHINK SCOTLAND'S SMOKING BAN, SAYS FOREST
The smokers’ lobby group Forest has called for amendments to the smoking ban that would bring Scotland into line with most European countries.
The group wants pubs and clubs in Scotland to have the option of providing separate, well-ventilated smoking rooms. It also wants the regulations on outdoor smoking shelters to be relaxed so that smokers can light up outside in greater comfort all year round.
Speaking ahead of the fifth anniversary of the smoking ban in Scotland, which was introduced on 26 March 2006, Simon Clark, director of Forest, said:
“Other European countries have found a sensible compromise ranging from licensed smoking premises to exemptions for small or drink-only bars. Why not Scotland?
“At the very least the regulations on outdoor smoking shelters should be relaxed so people can smoke outside in a warm and comfortable environment all year round.”
Clark blamed the smoking ban for accelerating pub closures in Scotland and called on politicians to act:
“Research demonstrates that the smoking ban is the main cause of pub closures in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“Total pub losses in England, Scotland and Wales since the introduction of smoking bans in all three countries are in excess of 5,500. Scotland alone has lost over 700 pubs since the introduction of the ban in March 2006.
“This cannot be allowed to continue. Pubs and clubs are the heart of many rural and urban communities and their loss is having a serious impact on jobs and many people’s social lives. From the feedback we receive, the ban continues to provoke a great deal of anger and anguish.
“We accept that many people do not want to be exposed to other people’s tobacco smoke, so what we are asking for is an amendment to the ban that would allow separate, well-ventilated smoking rooms in pubs and clubs.
“The majority of licensed premises would probably remain non-smoking but there would be a degree of choice for those who want to smoke and drink indoors in a warm and sociable environment.
“At present smokers have no choice other than to stand outside, whatever the weather, or stay at home. An increasing number are choosing to stay at home and who can blame them if there is nowhere for them to smoke and drink in comfort?”
Clark added: “For the sake of our local communities, the Scottish Government must review the impact of the smoking ban and consider amendments to this unnecessarily harsh piece of legislation.”
Click here to download a pdf of the news release.
Media coverage:
Yesterday I did an interview for Northsound Radio (Aberdeen) and my colleague Tom Miers is being interviewed today by Forth FM. I've also been on Radio Borders. This morning Forest been quoted by BBC News (online), STV North (North of Scotland News) and, I believe, ITV's Daybreak (Scotland). The Scottish Sun has a short report that highlights our call for amendments to the ban.
Paul Waterson of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (who is also opposed to the smoking ban) is also featured in the BBC News report, along with usual suspects such as ASH Scotland's Sheila Duffy. Paul tells me he has also done an interview for Reporting Scotland (BBC1), to be broadcast tonight.
Paul and anti-ban publican Lynn Adams have done interviews for Scottish Television (STV). Lynn meanwhile is taking part in the Kaye Adams phone-in (Call Kaye) on BBC Radio Scotland from 9.00am this morning. If you live in Scotland and get a chance to call in, please do.
PS. Scotland's smoking ban hailed as anniversary approaches (BBC News). Good to see the BBC spinning in favour of the ban.
The Morning Advertiser has also reported that: Pro-smoking group calls for changes to Scots ban.