MSPs vote on smoke ban
1 Jul 05
Smoking to be stubbed out in public places
Smoking will be outlawed in public places from 26 March next year after MSPs voted 97 to 17 to pass the new legislation.
First Minister Jack McConnell said the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill would improve the nation's health and significantly cut rates of smoking-related disease.
Mr McConnell said: "Today is a historic day for Scotland. This legislation is one of the most important decisions that has been made since devolution. It is a decision that shows that we are determined to change Scotland for the better.
"March 26, 2006, will not just be the first day of summer, it will be the first day of a new future for our country. A healthier future. A future where Scots live longer, families are less likely to be touched by tragedy; and our young people are fitter and better prepared to make the most of their ambitions. It is a future that we can all look forward to."