A new survey by Ash Scotland has found that 93% of Scots support extending smoke-free spaces to public outdoor areas such as play areas and school grounds. The organisation is urging the Scottish Government to take action to protect children from second-hand smoke and reduce the visibility of cigarettes and other nicotine products.
Survey Findings and Call to Action
The survey, which polled 1,061 Scots, revealed overwhelming support for the measure. Ash Scotland is now calling on the Scottish Government to introduce further restrictions, building on previous legislation that banned smoking within 15 metres of NHS Scotland hospital buildings.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said: "Scotland's UK-leading smoke-free public spaces legislation in 2006 was a major public health success, and was later extended to include vehicles with children present, and then a perimeter around NHS hospital buildings."
Health Impact and Expert Support
Duffy added: "Making children's spaces smoke-free will help protect the youngest in society. Cigarettes are still the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland causing more than 7,000 deaths each year."
Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: "Time and time again, we see in polling that the overwhelming majority of people in Scotland want to see a smoking ban near schools and play areas." He noted that to achieve the target of less than 5% of adults smoking by 2034, it is necessary to stop normalising smoking around children.
Professor Sean Semple of the University of Stirling's Institute for Social Marketing and Health said: "Scotland has made remarkable progress in reducing the harm from second-hand tobacco smoke exposure." He highlighted that smoke-free spaces also reduce the visibility of smoking and help the next generation stay tobacco-free.
Government Response
Public health minister Maree Todd said: "There has been significant reductions in smoking among adults since the introduction of smoke-free legislation in 2006, from 25 per cent in 2006 to 14 per cent in 2024."
Todd added: "We will consider consulting on further smoke-free spaces using the powers included in the new 2026 Tobacco and Vapes Act. We will take a balanced and evidence-led approach, ensuring action is proportionate to protect children and young people from second-hand smoke."
