In March 2006, Scotland became the first part of the UK to go smoke-free in enclosed public places. This radical health reform has succeeded, with over 70%1 of Scots viewing going smoke-free as a success. Early research already indicates improved respiratory health for those with jobs in previously smoky places. For many, the smoking ban was the success story in Scottish politics in 2006.
Despite the success of going smoke-free, tobacco still poses a huge challenge to Scotland’s health. 35 smokers in Scotland die every day from diseases caused by tobacco. Most Scots that smoke are hooked before they reach the age of 16 and one in five babies are born to a mother that smoked through pregnancy.
ASH Scotland’s manifesto has three main goals:
1. Deter children from starting smoking. Raise the age at which young people can buy cigarettes from 16 to 18. Ensure it is properly enforced with test purchasing, heavy fines and a licensing scheme for shops.
2. Help pregnant women to stop smoking. Increase the money spent on smoking cessation in the NHS, with targeted budgets for groups such as pregnant women. Train all midwifes and GPs to deliver smoking cessation advice.3. Limit the availability of cigarettes. We should stop accepting the visibility the tobacco industry has in Scotland. End the display of tobacco products in retail outlets and introduce under-the-counter sales. Let’s move towards limiting the times at which tobacco can be sold and the number of places that can sell it.
These measures are a natural follow-on from the good work started by going smoke-free in 2006 and will shape ASH Scotland’s work for the period of the next Scottish Parliament.
ASH Scotland would like to hear your views, not just on these questions but on how you see the way forward for tobacco control in Scotland. You can email your thoughts to manifesto@ashscotland.org.uk