27 January 2010
ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy tonight expressed her delight as MSPs voted in favour of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill. Commenting, Ms Duffy said:
“MSPs are to be congratulated for voting for a package of measures which will have both short and long term outcomes and within a generation could have a powerful impact on reducing child and youth smoking.
“This legislation means Scotland remains a world leader in tobacco control. I would like to heartily congratulate the government for taking the issue of preventing childhood smoking seriously and bringing this bill forward.
“I also thank Scottish Labour MSPs for their work in trying to get a series of amendments passed that would have closed loopholes in the law and make the bill clearer and stronger, but which disappointingly were defeated. Both the Scottish Liberal Democrat and Scottish Greens voted in favour of these amendments which were only defeated by one vote, and this shows the strength of feeling for clear and strong legislation.
“However, Scotland does now have one of the strongest tobacco display bans in the world. Other countries, such as New Zealand have been closely following events and many will want to follow our lead. The tobacco bill’s measures to introduce a ban on cigarette vending machines and promotional displays of tobacco, and introduce stricter sanctions against those who sell to under 18s are vital steps to prevent our future generations becoming addicted to this lethal substance which is currently responsible for so many deaths in Scotland. I am delighted that these measures will now be put in place over the coming years.”
ENDS
Sheila Duffy is available for interview via ISDN.
For further information please contact ASH Scotland on 0131 220 9466 / 0777 142299.
Notes for Editors
1. Action on Smoking & Health (Scotland) (ASH Scotland) is an independent Scottish charity working in partnership to protect people from the harm caused by tobacco. Registered Scottish charity number SC 010412.