18 May 2007
Welcoming the results of a Populus poll commissioned by the BBC Daily Politics Show, and broadcast today, which showed that a massive 85% of Scots agreed with the statement that they support the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, ASH Scotland’s Chief Executive Maureen Moore OBE said:
“This is a great result and shows the ban on smoking in public places has really been taken to the heart of the people of Scotland. This poll was carried out across the UK in advance of the ban in England coming into force on 1 July and showed overall support of the ban of 81% with Scots slightly ahead at 85%. Across the UK, people are in agreement with the ban because they know the health benefits it will bring and that a smoke-free atmosphere is not only healthier but generally a much better atmosphere to be in.“The poll also asked if there should be a ban on smoking near children with the UK figures and those of Scotland showing a colossal 91% agreeing with the statement. This shows that people realise that second-hand smoke is harmful and want to protect children from it. For those of us trying to promote healthier lifestyles and smoke-free environments in the home, this is really good news.
“Some of these respondents would have been smokers, and to see such large majorities in favour of the ban and not smoking near children, shows that the message about the harmful effects of tobacco is well known. This is why support and funding for smoking cessation work to help those who want to quit smoking is imperative if we want to see smoking rates reduce further.”
The Populus poll also showed a majority in favour of banning smoking whilst driving a car with the UK figure showing 62% agreeing and Scotland 61%. There was a majority against the smoking ban going further to outdoor public places with 54% disagreeing at UK level and 54% of Scots respondents disagreeing.
ENDS
Contact: Jeanette Campbell: 0777 6142299.
Editors notes:
Populus interviewed a random sample of 1,012 adults aged 18+ by telephone on May 16th & 17th 2007. Interviews were conducted across Britain and the results have been weighted to be representative of all adults. Respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statements which were:
1. I support the ban on smoking in enclosed places and work places
UK total: Agree 81% Disagree 18% Don’t Know 1%
Scotland: Agree 85% Disagree 14% Don’t Know 1%
2. The ban should go further, and outlaw smoking in some outdoor public places - for example bus shelters or public parks
UK total: Agree 45% Disagree 54% Don’t Know 1%
Scotland: Agree 40% Disagree 59% Don’t Know 1%
3. There should be a ban on smoking while driving a car
UK total: Agree 62% Disagree 35% Don’t Know 2%
Scotland: Agree 61% Disagree 36% Don’t Know 3%
4. There should be a ban on smoking near children
UK total: Agree 91% Disagree 8% Don’t Know 2%
Scotland: Agree 91% Disagree 8% Don’t Know 1%
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