The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act aims to cut Scotland’s high death rate from smoking-related diseases.
Chief Medical Officer Mac Armstrong describes the ban as bringing “far and away the most important improvement in our health in a generation”.
There is large cross-party agreement on such a measure. The impetus, initially from a Private Member’s Bill, is developed into legislation by the Scottish Executive and a complete ban is approved by Parliament.
The other home nations follow Scotland’s example. There is widespread public acceptance and early signs of significant health benefits.