www.clearingtheairscotland.com information website launched

The Scottish Parliament has voted to introduce smoke free enclosed public places.  This will have implications for employers and employees in workplaces, clubs, pubs, restaurants, hospitals and schools across Scotland.

The new law is contained in the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act which was passed at Holyrood on 30th June (97 votes to 17 with 1 abstention), and will become law on 26th March 2006.

The legislation will improve the long-term health of the public in Scotland by reducing exposure to passive smoking. Passive smoking currently claims the lives of up to 1,000 non-smokers in Scotland every year and is also linked with lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions and strokes.

In light of the new law, employers are being urged to consider how the legislation might affect their business or organisation. Employers and managers will have responsibility to ensure premises and staff meet all the requirements of the new law, making reasonable efforts to ensure that employees, customers and visitors are aware of the legislation. All business premises will have to display No Smoking signs that are clearly visible. Vehicles including buses, taxis, company cars, ferries and trains will also be covered by the ban.