The majority of the Scottish public still support the country-wide smoking ban which was introduced in March, research reveals.

A poll of more than 1,000 Scots by Populus, commissioned by pro-smoking group Forest, found 63% believed the current policy to be “about right”.

Only a quarter of respondents (24%) thought the Act, which bans smoking in enclosed public places, had gone too far.

However, 61% of those surveyed were against the ban being extended to outside pubs and bars.

Brian Monteith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “Apart from a few anti-tobacco zealots and health fascists there is clearly no demand for further restrictions on smoking.”

Last month in London, Westminster City Council urged the Government to grant it the powers to ban smoking in the streets as part the consultation on England’s smoking regulations.

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By Chris Druce

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