This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Majority of Scots back Smoking Bill
27/06/2005
The majority of Scots support the Executive's policy to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces, including pubs, clubs and restaurants, according to a new poll released today.
MRUK found 56 per cent of those surveyed are in favour of the measure, with many also believing it will create cleaner and safer environments and many smokers believing it will help them cut down or quit altogether.
The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill will go to a vote in Parliament this week.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"I am very pleased to see so many Scots are in favour of what we're doing.
"This Bill is the most important piece of public health legislation in a generation and widespread understanding is vital.
"Other results are also very encouraging. There is increasing awareness of the dangers of passive smoking and considerable support for action to be taken to reduce exposure.
"32 per cent of smokers believe that the Bill will help them cut down or quit altogether and others are hoping for more enjoyable nights out without the ill effects of second-hand smoke.
"This week sees the final stage of the Bill in the Scottish Parliament, when I hope that MSPs will give it their overwhelming approval, in line with their support to date.
"The very high level of public awareness of the proposed law will also help to ensure high levels of compliance when introduced.
"This survey shows that I'm not the only one looking forward to a historic day, not just for devolution - but for Scotland as a whole."
The main findings of the survey are:
- Overall, there was high awareness of the proposed legislation that would make enclosed public places smoke free (90 per cent).
- 83 per cent of respondents perceived that passive smoking and second-hand smoke posed either an extremely great health risk (31 per cent), a great risk (31 per cent) or a medium health risk (21 per cent).
- The majority of the sample agreed with the statement that action should be taken to reduce people's exposure to passive smoking and second hand smoke (74 per cent agreement).
- Over half of all respondents (56 per cent) supported the proposed legislation, primarily on the grounds that smoking is detrimental to health and that people disliked it. A third did not support the proposed legislation (33 per cent).
- Opinions regarding the perceived impact of the proposed legislation were mixed. Amongst a variety of consequences mentioned there was a slightly stronger perception that it will help to provide cleaner and safer environments for all and to a lesser extent that it will help to make socialising more enjoyable.
- Over half of current smokers in the sample felt that the proposed legislation would have no effect on the amount they smoke (57 per cent). However, 26 per cent felt it would help them to reduce the amount they smoke and 6 per cent felt it would help them to stop altogether.