Since devolution in 1999, spending on tobacco control in Scotland has risen from nearly £1.45 million to nearly £22 million. Against this the decline in smoking, which was at its height in the 1970s and 1980s, has slowed considerably.
Smoking bans aim to 'denormalise' smoking. Indoor air quality standards and air cleaning technology can ensure the absence of virtually all airborne toxins: a better result than the smoking ban. But will the health industry allow it?
Improvements in air cleaning technology and the recent publication of indoor air quality standards by the European Commission could enable the hospitality industry and other workplaces to allow smoking indoors.