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Scots 'back smoke ban exemptions' | Scots 'back smoke ban exemptions' |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Three quarters of people in Scotland believe there should be exemptions to the smoking ban, a poll has suggested. | Three quarters of people in Scotland believe there should be exemptions to the smoking ban, a poll has suggested. |
The Populus survey, for the pro-smoking group Forest, revealed 74% of 1,004 people surveyed thought private clubs should be allowed smoking rooms. | |
It comes a week ahead of the ban's first anniversary, and found that the same percentage backed the idea of specialist smokers' clubs. | It comes a week ahead of the ban's first anniversary, and found that the same percentage backed the idea of specialist smokers' clubs. |
But Health Minister Andy Kerr said the ban had been "a resounding success". | But Health Minister Andy Kerr said the ban had been "a resounding success". |
Legislation implemented on 26 March last year outlawed smoking in all enclosed public places in Scotland. | Legislation implemented on 26 March last year outlawed smoking in all enclosed public places in Scotland. |
Compliance levels have been very high Andy KerrHealth Minister | Compliance levels have been very high Andy KerrHealth Minister |
Wales will go smoke-free on 2 April, Northern Ireland on 30 April and England on 1 July. | Wales will go smoke-free on 2 April, Northern Ireland on 30 April and England on 1 July. |
However, Forest spokesman Neil Rafferty said: "The majority of the public has always supported a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities. | However, Forest spokesman Neil Rafferty said: "The majority of the public has always supported a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities. |
"The ban has been in force for a year now and most people still feel that places like private clubs should be able to permit smoking in separate, well-ventilated rooms. | "The ban has been in force for a year now and most people still feel that places like private clubs should be able to permit smoking in separate, well-ventilated rooms. |
"The Scottish Executive should be looking at reversing some of its regulations and introducing more licensed exemptions." | "The Scottish Executive should be looking at reversing some of its regulations and introducing more licensed exemptions." |
Ranald Macdonald, the Scottish businessmen who set up the London restaurant Boisdale, also described the ban as "unnecessarily severe". | Ranald Macdonald, the Scottish businessmen who set up the London restaurant Boisdale, also described the ban as "unnecessarily severe". |
Privately run clubs | Privately run clubs |
He said he would like to open "an establishment run by smokers for smokers". | He said he would like to open "an establishment run by smokers for smokers". |
"As a smoker myself I believe we should be able to smoke in privately-run clubs if the owner or members agree to it," he said. | "As a smoker myself I believe we should be able to smoke in privately-run clubs if the owner or members agree to it," he said. |
"Allowing designated smoking rooms in private clubs is something few people could object to." | "Allowing designated smoking rooms in private clubs is something few people could object to." |
Independent MSP Brian Monteith claimed the ban had caused a downturn in the number of people going to bingo halls. | Independent MSP Brian Monteith claimed the ban had caused a downturn in the number of people going to bingo halls. |
Mr Monteith said bar takings in his constituency were "dangerously low" | Mr Monteith said bar takings in his constituency were "dangerously low" |
He said some had closed and others were in danger of going out of business. | He said some had closed and others were in danger of going out of business. |
The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said: "I can't see this trend reversing unless we allow them to introduce separate areas where people can smoke. | The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said: "I can't see this trend reversing unless we allow them to introduce separate areas where people can smoke. |
"The same is true of several private members' clubs in my regional constituency, where bar takings have fallen dangerously low." | "The same is true of several private members' clubs in my regional constituency, where bar takings have fallen dangerously low." |
However, Mr Kerr said: "The people of Scotland have fully embraced the smoking ban and it has been a resounding success since it was introduced. | However, Mr Kerr said: "The people of Scotland have fully embraced the smoking ban and it has been a resounding success since it was introduced. |
"Workplaces, restaurants, bars and other enclosed public spaces are all now smoke-free, and compliance levels have been very high. | "Workplaces, restaurants, bars and other enclosed public spaces are all now smoke-free, and compliance levels have been very high. |
"The ban is the single most important piece of public health legislation in a generation and we are already beginning to reap the health benefits." | "The ban is the single most important piece of public health legislation in a generation and we are already beginning to reap the health benefits." |
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