Smoke-free Scotland - Guidance on smoking policies for the NHS, local authorities and care service providers

Foreword: Scottish Executive and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

Reducing smoking and tobacco related harm is one of the main drivers to transforming Scotland's health. The action by the Scottish Executive in introducing the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the Scottish Parliament and backed by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, is testament to the determination of politicians at both national and local level to make significant progress on this issue.

Passive smoking kills. The evidence is now irrefutable. The smoke-free legislation will significantly reduce exposure to second-hand smoke by prohibiting smoking in the majority of enclosed public places. But it also provides the opportunity for smokers to cut down or stop smoking; the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to grow up with less pressure to smoke, and less likelihood of dying early; and for Scotland, the opportunity to transform our national health and to reduce our health inequalities. We must all work together in our local communities to maximise the benefits which this opportunity brings.

Those in the public services and in the caring professions have a vested interest in the smooth implementation of the smoke-free legislation and in making the law work. But more than that, we have a clear obligation to provide leadership and standards for others to follow. This document sets out how we might strive to achieve these standards, whilst at the same time recognising and dealing with the very real practical and humanitarian challenges we face in doing so.

We commend this guidance to you for consideration and action.

Andy Kerr Minister for Health and Community Care	Cllr Eric Jackson COSLA Spokesperson,Social Work and Health Improvement