Greens: Smoking Ban Good for Public Health and Human Rights
Wed., November 10, 2004. 00:00.
A ban on smoking in enclosed public places will help reduce the number of deaths linked to passive smoking, Green MSPs said today in a parliamentary debate.
As the Scottish Executive prepared to announce their decision on proposals, Greens backed calls for a ban in public places.
Dr Eleanor Scott, Green Speaker on Health and a member of the BMA, said, "The majority of people in Scotland do not smoke and I believe most of those want to be able to go out and enjoy themselves without having to breathe in harmful tobacco smoke.
"There are now examples of successful similar policies in New York and Ireland. Indeed, Ireland has a few lessons to teach us - on smoking in pubs, on Third Party Right of Appeal in planning and on the poly bag tax!
"Scotland suffers enormously from the effects of smoking - and will continue to suffer unless action is taken. This measure will go some way to protecting workers and non-smokers from the effects of other peoples' smoke and in terms of both human rights and human health we should support it."
ENDS
For further information call the Green MSPs' press office on 0131 348 6360/0771 761 8771.
1. Scottish Green Party policy is as follows:
The smoking of tobacco in all enclosed premises used by the public will be banned, although exemptions may be applied for. Where an exemption is granted the premises must have a physically separate non-smoking area in order to prevent drift of smoke.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.