Smoke-free Scotland

Improving public health by providing evidence that led to the introduction of legislation banning smoking in public places in Scotland

In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence about the harm caused by passive smoking (passive smoking is the inhalation of smoke by persons other than the “active” smoker). Passive smoking is now recognised as a health harm that can increase risk of lung cancer and heart disease as well as respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

The Scottish Government commissioned Professor Anne Ludbrook and colleagues at the University of Aberdeen to inform a decision of Scottish Ministers on whether to introduce smoke-free legislation.

Moving to a complete ban was controversial because of the perceived negative effect on the hospitality sector. There was also significant lobbying against a ban on the basis that there would be a negative impact on the Scottish economy. The Aberdeen team used its expertise to demonstrate the costs and benefits of a ban and found that there would, in fact, be a net economic and health benefit to Scotland from banning smoking in public places.

The impact of the ban, which took effect in 2006, was closely monitored and has resulted in significant health improvements ranging from reductions in admissions to hospital for heart problems, childhood asthma, and complications in pregnancy to health improvements for bar workers. As well as health benefits, there have also been economic benefits from the reduced use of health services.

Our contribution to the smoking in public places debate ensured that key decision makers had a clear idea about the consequences of imposing a smoke-free ban in Scotland and therefore enabled them to make a decision that has had real health benefits for the nation

Professor Anne Ludbrook

Find out more

• Professor Anne Ludbrook's staff profile

Key publications

• Ludbrook, A, Bird, S and van Teijlingen, E. (2005). International review of the health and economic impact of the regulation of smoking in public places. Edinburgh. NHS Health Scotland. http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/451.aspx
• Ludbrook, A, Cohen, D, Bird, S and van Teijlingen, E. International review of the health and economic impact of the regulation of smoking in public places. Report submitted to the Committee on Smoking in Public Places, National Assembly for Wales 2005

« browse all impact case studies