Hospital smoking ban: public information

A law making it an offence to smoke within 15 metres of a hospital building has come into force.

This applies to everyone, including staff, visitors, and patients. 

If you are found smoking

If you are found smoking within the 15-metre zone, you will be asked to stop right away. Please do so and remain courteous to those reminding you of the no-smoking law.  

You could also face: 

• a fixed penalty notice of £50 

• a £1,000 fine if taken to court 

Where the law applies 

The law, which came into force on 5 September 2022, applies to all NHS hospital buildings in Scotland. This includes awnings, canopies, or any other overhanging structure connected to a hospital building, even if they extend further than 15 metres from a hospital building. 

How people will know where not to smoke 

There will be signs at main entrances to hospital grounds and on buildings to warn people that there is a ban on smoking within 15 metres of the building. 

Posters and leaflets have also been distributed to hospitals and GP surgeries to let people know about the ban.

Why the ban has been introduced 

We want to create a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034. 

The new law supports the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy introduced in 2015. 

It benefits everyone – particularly patients - by keeping hospitals free from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.  

If you see someone smoking in the 15-metre zone

If you see anyone smoking in the perimeter area you should report it to a member of hospital staff. 

Advice and support to stop smoking 

You can get free advice, support, and medication to stop smoking through the NHS. For more information: 

• go to www.quityourway.scot  

• phone Quit Your Way Scotland for free on 0800 84 84 84 

More information

Find out more about our action to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034.