Scots smoking ban success strengthens call for EU-wide implementation

A new study highlighting the public health benefits of Scotland’s recently introduced smoking ban are adding weight to calls for for an EU-wide ban.

Figures unveiled in Edinburgh on Monday show 17 per cent fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks, since the ban was introduced in March 2006

The study also found no evidence that people were now smoking more at home rather than in pubs and restaurants, and that support for the nationwide ban was strong, even among smokers.

Scottish SNP MEP, Alyn Smith said he was “delighted that the smoking ban in Scotland appears to have been such a success…This is a step in the right direction.”

"Whether a national government implements a ban is a matter for them, but ours has and it seems to be working well.”

“I have invited health commissioner Markos Kyprianou to come and see for himself how it is working and how our experience can help other EU countries."

The Scots findings have renewed calls for an EU wide smoking ban.

Susanna Palkonen of the European Federation of Allergy and Airway Diseases Patients Association said an “EU level ban would help in bringing on board those member states who may never follow in the heels of the pioneering countries – or who are dragging their heels.”

“[An EU-wide ban would] ensure the protection of all, in particular people with respiratory disease and children, to breathe smoke free air at work- and public places no matter where they live in the EU.”

Kyprianou shortly after taking up the EU health mantle, promised to take strong action on smoking.

“It is my ambition that by the end of my term in office similar bans will have been introduced in all member states. Citizens throughout the EU deserve to be protected from the risks of passive smoking", the Cypriot commissioner said in 2005.

"I hope commissioner Kyprianou will be able to come to Scotland to enjoy our pure healthy air, indoors and out”, added Smith.

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