Over To You

Here's some more feedback on our survey and the smoking debate

We're interested in seeing the results of your survey. The secretary of state and ministers have spoken to a whole range of people to get their views and their proposals about how health may be improved. No decisions have been taken on any matter, nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out. The consultation will contribute to the Public Health White Paper which is due out later this year.
Department of Health

We're keen to see action on smoking as soon as possible. We can't legislate on a ban on smoking in the workplace in Scotland, but we can act to reduce or ban smoking in public places. We want to protect non-smokers from a smoky environment and that means increasing the number of smoke-free places.
The Scottish Executive

These survey results are no surprise. It's appalling that people have to work for six or seven days a week in a smoke-filled environment. This is why we're lobbying the Government for a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public places.
The British Medical Association

This survey is highly significant and powerful evidence of the need for legislation. Smoking is a significant health and safety issue in the workplace. It's the responsibility of employers not to expose their staff to unnecessary risk, and smoking is an unnecessary risk.
Ian Willmore, of anti-smoking campaign group Ash

We've banned smoking in all our hotel restaurants, although people can still smoke in the bars. Some 70% of our hotel rooms are no-smoking, and I would be in favour of a complete ban.
Peter Tyrie, managing director, Eton Group

We're dealing with the smoking debate on a pub-by-pub basis. It's important to adopt a responsible approach. If legislation comes, a total Government ban across the country would work better than one implemented inconsistently by local authorities.
Derek Andrew, managing director, Pathfinder Pubs

It's important that businesses have plenty of time to prepare if a ban comes into force. In Dublin there was little engagement with the pub industry, and as a result they didn't prepare properly for the change, which has meant the ban has had a negative effect.
Laurel Pub Company

We've never had a problem with being no-smoking, and the customers and staff seem to like it that way.
Paul O'Farrell, commercial director, Wagamama