Smoking ban in Scotland's pubs was a 'PR war' - but has it saved lives?

NHS Lanarkshire supporting campaign to highlight 20-year public smoking ban

Since its introduction, smoking rates in Scotland have nearly halved, with around half a million fewer people smoking today compared to 2006.

Smoking ban in Scotland's pubs was a 'PR war' - but has it saved lives?

Exactly 20 years ago, Scotland became the first part of the UK to outlaw smoking in bars, restaurants and offices.

20th Anniversary of Scotland’s Smoke-Free Law Celebrated - CLH News: Caterer, Licensee and Hotelier News - News for Pubs, Bars, Hotels and Restaurants

Share Post Share Email Public health charities, trade union representatives and people whose health or business improved following the ban of smoking in indoor public spaces celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary as Scotland became the first part of the UK to ban smoking in enclosed public places – including pubs, restaurants and workplaces with a recorded 99.4% compliance rate in pubs within eight weeks of th…

Jack McConnell: The smoking ban made Holyrood grow up

The former first minister has spoken to STV News on the 20th anniversary of the smoking ban in Scotland

Smoke-free spaces in Scotland celebrated as landmark law marks 20 years

Twenty years ago, on Sunday 26 March 2006, Scotland became one of the first countries in the world to introduce a new UK-leading law to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in indoor public spaces. Since its introduction, smoking rates in Scotland have nearly halved, with around half a million fewer Scots smoking today compared to 2006. To celebrate this landmark anniversary, which takes place on Thursday 26 March 2026, N…

20th anniversary of Scotland’s leading smoke-free law celebrated

Public health charities, trade union representatives and people whose health or business improved following the ban of smoking in indoor public spaces are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free legislation coming into force on 26 March. Despite tobacco industry’s misinformation and campaigns to prevent the legislation which cleared the air in hospitality venues across the country, there was a recorded 99.4% complian…