Background and policy information
Tobacco provides an example of how a sound evidence base can influence policy.
Health Scotland and ASH Scotland Report
In 2003, Health Scotland and ASH Scotland produced the report Reducing smoking and tobacco related harm: a key to transforming Scotland’s Health
The report examined the current smoking trends in Scotland, summarised the evidence on smoking and tobacco related harm (including the dangers of second-hand smoke), considered various policies, and recommended future action that should be taken in Scotland.
It recommended:
- More services to help smokers quit.
- Doing more to make enclosed public places and workplaces smoke-free.
- More action to discourage young people from starting the habit.
Tobacco Control Action Plan
The report led to the publication by the Scottish Executive of Scotland’s first ever Tobacco Control Action Plan (external link). This plan is the main reference point and policy context for all tobacco-related work in Scotland.
One of the main action points from this Plan was the intention to ‘sponsor a major public debate on actions to minimise the impact of second-hand smoke’.
A public consultation (external link) relating to smoking in public places was launched in June 2004.
A series of studies were commissioned by Health Scotland to support and inform the consultation (internal link to Publications) around smoke-free legislation:
Passive smoking and associated causes of death in adults in Scotland
Workplace Smoking Policies in Scotland
The Ban on Smoking in Public Places in Scotland
Legislation forbidding smoking in enclosed places used by the public or where people work came into force on 26 March 2006, with the introduction of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2003 (external link).
In 2007 Health Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Executive and ISD Scotland, completed comprehensive research into the consequences of the smoking ban, showing it to have had a positive effect on Scotland's health, society and quality of air after 1 year. This was undertaken by the Policy Evaluation Programme.