Scotland bans smoking in public places News
Scotland bans smoking in public places

[JURIST] The Scottish Executive Wednesday unanimously approved a ban on smoking in enclosed public places. Anti-tobacco and medical groups had urged the ban, claiming that voluntary measures currently in place were ineffective. Similar to those already adopted in Ireland, Norway and parts of the US, the ban will be enforced by environmental health officers, and violations will carry fines of up to 2,500 pounds for establishments and 1,000 pounds for individuals. The British Medical Association released a report on smoking this month, while the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association argued that the ban was not supported by public opinion. Read a Scottish Executive press release. BBC News has more.