Smoke-free legislation: the evaluation
The implementation of the smoking ban in public enclosed places has resulted in significant health gains. Research led by Health Scotland, in conjunction with Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland and the Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government), shows it to have had a positive effect on Scotland's health, society and quality of air after 1 year.
Using routine health, behavioural and economic data and commissioned research, the impact of the smoke-free legislation was assessed under each of the following headings:
- Knowledge and attitudes
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- Compliance to the smoke-free legislation
- Culture and social norms around smoking
- Smoking prevalence and tobacco consumption
- Tobacco-related mortality and morbidity
- Economic impacts on the hospitality sector
- Health inequalities
The findings from the individual studies are now available. They will be combined with routine monitoring data to create an integrated overview.
The results of this national evaluation of the smoke-free legislation in Scotland are expected to significantly contribute to the international understanding of the health effects of exposure to second-hand smoke, and lead to a greater understanding of the broader social, cultural and economic impacts of the smoking ban in enclosed public places.