Smoke ban fires up Scots

2006-03-26 14:15

London - Smokers in Scotland will have to head outdoors to light up, after a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces came into force on Sunday.

The law is expected to be followed by similar ones across the rest of Britain next year, after the House of Commons agreed to ban smoking in public places in England and Northern Ireland from summer 2007. A similar ban is also expected in Wales next year.

Despite the threat of £50 on-the-spot fines, a poll for the BBC found that more than a fifth of Scottish smokers plan to ignore the ban.

Any business that does not take steps to prevent smoking on its premises or that fails to display "No Smoking" signs faces a £200 penalty.

Some workplaces, including in adult care homes, hospices, offshore installations and submarines, are exempt from the ban. Smoking will also be allowed in police detention.

- AP