Scotland’s bar workers believe the country’s smoking ban has made their workplaces healthier, six months on from its introduction.

Research conducted at Cancer Research’s UK Centre for Tobacco Control at Stirling University, found 92% of Scottish bar staff thought their workplaces were healthier than before the restrictions.

And more than three quarters (78%) of the 500 plus bar workers surveyed said the legislation would benefit their health in the long term.

Cancer Research also found support for the health benefits of the new law amongst smokers, with 89% reporting that their work environment was now healthier than before, and 69% of the view it will benefit their long-term health.

Gerard Hastings, director of Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Tobacco Control Research, said: “By protecting people from second-hand smoke and helping smokers to quit, Scotland’s smoking ban will save many thousands of lives in the next decade.”

However, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (STLA) has called for compensation for licensees hit by falling trade since the start of the ban in March.

Paul Waterson, chief executive, SLTA said: “The Executive has been very successful in getting us to police the ban and to pay for it with our jobs and livelihoods. Now is the time for them to start paying us back for the damage they have caused.”

The consultation on England’s draft regulations, which will govern its impending smoking ban, ends 9 October. A ban on smoking in enclosed public places in England is expected to begin in July of next year. 

Rank blames Scottish smoking ban for 200 job cuts >>

Greene King reports better than expected sales at Scottish pubs since smoking ban >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.