The Scottish Executive has announced its intention to introduce comprehensive smoke-free legislation in public places.

Since announcing the news of the ban on smoking in public places, First Minister Jack McConnell has been congratulated by a number of organisations, including the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland.

The proposed legislation, which should be in place by spring 2006, would be enforced by Environmental Health and local licensing officers and would see ban smoking prohibited in all enclosed public places in Scotland.

Licensees or employers who fail to enforce the law will face fines of up to £2,500, while individuals who persistently break the law could face a fine of up to £1,000.

The Scottish Executive intends to introduce the legislation through the upcoming Health Service bill, which will be introduced to parliament before Christmas.

McConnell said: “A comprehensive ban will be a clear signal that Scotland has changed. It will reduce smoking, save lives and help transform our national health.

“I believe that there is no greater action we can take to improve the well-being of children and families in Scotland for generations to come, than to secure this legislation and make Scotland’s public places smoke free.”

Responding to the news, Dr Peter Terry, chair of the BMA in Scotland, said: “This is a great day for Scotland and a great day for devolution. While the government at Westminster procrastinates, our own Scottish Executive has decided that the health of the population is worth more than the junk science promoted by those who argued against legislation. Human life is worth more than any economic argument.”

Smoking in public places was banned by the Irish government in March this year while Liverpool council last month became the first local authority in England to take a stance in favour of a similar ban. Details: www.scotland.gov.uk