From Sunday it became an offence to smoke in nearly every enclosed public place in Scotland. It is Britain’s first smoking ban to come into force. This is being enforced by a 50-pound sterling ($87) fine on smokers and a 200-pounds penalty on businesses.

The ban in public places includes bars and restaurants, although smoking will be allowed in some designated hotel bedrooms.

It is estimated that tobacco use kills about 13,000 Scots annually and that passive smoking claims 1,500 and 2,000 lives every year in Scotland.

England and Northern Ireland are due to implement similar bans next year. Wales is also to follow suit.
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