Scotland smoking ban leads to improved health

Scotland’s smoking ban has led to a significant improvement in public health, according to a report from the Scottish government.

A study of nine of the country’s hospitals shows a 17% fall in heart attack admissions in the first year since the ban came into force.

It also says exposure to second-hand smoke is down 86% in bars and 40% among the country’s children and adults.

The findings of the report – the most comprehensive study on the ban yet – were presented to an international conference in Edinburgh organised by the Scottish government, the recently renamed Scottish Executive.

Scotland’s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Peter Donnelly, said: “This research demonstrates the significant public health benefits that the smoking ban is already having in Scotland. It provides evidence that the legislation is improving the health of everyone in Scotland – including smokers, non-smokers, children and bar workers.”

Separate research by Cancer Research in September of last year found bar workers in Scotland believed their workplaces had become healthier six months on from the start of the ban.

Elspeth Lee, Cancer Research UK’s senior tobacco control manager, said about today’s news: “These studies provide further evidence that the comprehensive smoke-free legislation in Scotland is helping to protect Scottish people from the very dangerous effects of second hand smoke – and helping smokers to quit.  We also know that we will see many more health gains in the years to come.

Pub companies JD Wetherspoon and Punch Taverns both recently stated the English ban had had negligible impact on their profits.

Key findings of report:

• 17% reduction in heart attack admissions to nine Scottish hospitals
• 39% reduction in second-hand smoke exposure in 11-year-olds and adult non-smokers
• 86% reduction in second-hand smoke in bars
• an increase in the proportion of homes with smoking restrictions
• no evidence of smoking shifting from public places to the home
• high public support for the legislation, even among smokers

Scotland's bar workers say ban is benefiting health >>

Read more on the smoking ban here >>

Scotland smoking ban leads to 25 hospitality closures in first quarter >>

Editor's blog: Smoking ban good for the heart >>

By Dee Rossi

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