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Smoke-free public places – ten years on

#smokefree10years


To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Scotland's smoke-free legislation ASH Scotland has produced a novel new resource which when rolled shows a cigarette themed timeline.

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Supporting information

“The ban on smoking in enclosed public places was based on a firm scientific consensus that tobacco smoke is harmful to others as well as to the smoker themselves. Now images of smoke-filled bars, cafes, cinemas and offices seem a world away – belonging to the last century rather than this one. There is still a long way to go on Scotland’s journey to being tobacco-free. But the success of smoke-free public places should inspire us that we can get there.” ASH Scotland Chief Executive, Sheila Duffy

‘I’m extremely proud that Scotland has led the way in implementing public health policies that seek to address the significant harmful effects of tobacco on people’s health. The smoking ban has had a hugely positive effect on public health. However, tobacco remains the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland, which is why we want to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034. There is much more to do to achieve this.’ Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport.

‘In the years ahead, people will look back on today as the day that Scotland took the largest single
step to improve its health for generations.’  Jack McConnell, First Minister. 26th March 2006, the day that legislation for smoke-free public places became law.

‘Smoke-filled pubs will be up there with black and white TVs, four-star petrol and football shirts without adverts on them.’ Daily Record editorial. 27th March 2006.

"It took well over 400 years  before there was clear evidence that not only is smoking tobacco bad for smokers but it also harms the health of  those  around them. A world-leading evaluation of the impact of the smoke-free legislation in Scotland found big reductions in hospital admissions for heart attacks and asthma and many other health benefits. Careful science has shown the ban has improved the health of people in Scotland even more than its supporters predicted and provided  the evidence to justify similar legislation around the world."  Professor Laurence Gruer OBE, Former Director of Public Health Science, NHS Health Scotland



Resources Smoke-free public places – ten years on