This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6491471.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Ban 'helping smokers to give up' Ban 'helping smokers to give up'
(about 1 hour later)
Figures marking one year of Scotland's smoking ban are expected to show an increase in smokers trying to give up. The ban on smoking in public places has been hailed as a huge success on its first anniversary.
Scotland banned smoking in enclosed public spaces on 26 March last year and bans are due in Wales and Northern Ireland in April and England in July.Scotland banned smoking in enclosed public spaces on 26 March last year and bans are due in Wales and Northern Ireland in April and England in July.
The most comprehensive study in the world on the impact of a smoking ban is being carried out north of the border and is due to report later in the year.The most comprehensive study in the world on the impact of a smoking ban is being carried out north of the border and is due to report later in the year.
Interim results are expected to show a jump in people seeking to quit. Interim results showed 46,466 efforts to quit the habit during the year.
The Scottish Household Survey has already shown that in the first three quarters of 2006 the number of adult smokers dropped form 26.1% to 24.6% - a larger decrease than in recent years.
We are already beginning to reap the health benefits Andy KerrHealth Minister Going out changed for good Readers' panel look back Those for and against Send us your viewsWe are already beginning to reap the health benefits Andy KerrHealth Minister Going out changed for good Readers' panel look back Those for and against Send us your views
First Minister Jack McConnell said the ban had been a major success and would create tangible long-term benefits.First Minister Jack McConnell said the ban had been a major success and would create tangible long-term benefits.
He said: "It has been a remarkable change and not just in licensed premises. I think it might take a generation to see the difference this makes.He said: "It has been a remarkable change and not just in licensed premises. I think it might take a generation to see the difference this makes.
"Even after one year, Scotland is a healthier place and people, both in work and at leisure, are able to avoid the atmosphere which in the past caused them health problems.""Even after one year, Scotland is a healthier place and people, both in work and at leisure, are able to avoid the atmosphere which in the past caused them health problems."
In the run-up to the ban the number of people seeking help to quit rose by an estimated 40%.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said: "Initial findings also suggest that the ban has encouraged people to give up smoking, with the number of people contacting cessation support services increasing in the run-up to the ban's introduction.Health Minister Andy Kerr said: "Initial findings also suggest that the ban has encouraged people to give up smoking, with the number of people contacting cessation support services increasing in the run-up to the ban's introduction.
"Although it is too early to know exactly what the health and economic impact of the ban has been, we are already beginning to reap the health benefits."Although it is too early to know exactly what the health and economic impact of the ban has been, we are already beginning to reap the health benefits.
"The ban is working extremely well. More people have come forward to smoking cessation services. We are continuing to be creative in how we support smokers. We are not out to get them, we are out to help them.""The ban is working extremely well. More people have come forward to smoking cessation services. We are continuing to be creative in how we support smokers. We are not out to get them, we are out to help them."
However, smoking rights groups and licensed trade representatives have attacked the measures.However, smoking rights groups and licensed trade representatives have attacked the measures.
The view from the bar one year into Scotland's smoking banIn picturesThe view from the bar one year into Scotland's smoking banIn pictures
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association claims the ban has seen sales drop and led to staff losing jobs.The Scottish Licensed Trade Association claims the ban has seen sales drop and led to staff losing jobs.
The SLTA said the industry is suffering "collateral damage" in a war between the Scottish Executive and the tobacco industry.The SLTA said the industry is suffering "collateral damage" in a war between the Scottish Executive and the tobacco industry.
But for the average restaurant and pub-goer the ban seems to be proving popular.But for the average restaurant and pub-goer the ban seems to be proving popular.
Carline Neilson, a student from Paisley, told the BBC Scotland news website: "While I do feel sorry for smokers who have to stand outside in the rain to have a cigarette, I'm also annoyed with myself for giving them sympathy when they never had any for me when the shoe was on the other foot."Carline Neilson, a student from Paisley, told the BBC Scotland news website: "While I do feel sorry for smokers who have to stand outside in the rain to have a cigarette, I'm also annoyed with myself for giving them sympathy when they never had any for me when the shoe was on the other foot."
About 13,500 premises were inspected in the last part of 2006 and of those just under 96% were found to be compliant with the regulations.About 13,500 premises were inspected in the last part of 2006 and of those just under 96% were found to be compliant with the regulations.
The executive say the ban has brought about a national prideThe executive say the ban has brought about a national pride
Fixed penalty notices were issued to 14 premises and 175 to individuals across the country.Fixed penalty notices were issued to 14 premises and 175 to individuals across the country.
Smoking is linked to about 106,000 deaths a year in the UK, with more than 30 people a day dying in Scotland.Smoking is linked to about 106,000 deaths a year in the UK, with more than 30 people a day dying in Scotland.
Scotland's chief medical officer Harry Burns has even gone as far as predicting lung cancer could be almost wiped out in the next 20 years.Scotland's chief medical officer Harry Burns has even gone as far as predicting lung cancer could be almost wiped out in the next 20 years.
But the British Medical Association has stressed the ongoing work that needs to be done. The British Medical Association has stressed the ongoing work that needs to be done.
BMA Scotland chairman Peter Terry said: "Scots have embraced the smoke free legislation and many have chosen to quit, however, much more must be done to reduce the number of smokers in Scotland, particularly among the young and pregnant women."BMA Scotland chairman Peter Terry said: "Scots have embraced the smoke free legislation and many have chosen to quit, however, much more must be done to reduce the number of smokers in Scotland, particularly among the young and pregnant women."
An executive consultation on the issue of raising the smoking age to 18 has now closed with responses set to be available on Wednesday.An executive consultation on the issue of raising the smoking age to 18 has now closed with responses set to be available on Wednesday.