The Scottish executive has released his bill banning smoking in bars, restaurants, hospitals, schools and workplaces.
Andy Kerr, the government's health minister, described the Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill as the most important piece of public health legislation in a generation, reported the Scotsman Saturday.
The bill, scheduled to be debated by Scotland's Parliament in 2005, allows only a few exceptions for smoking in nursing homes, prison cells and hotel bedrooms.
If approved, the legislation would be implemented by March 2006.
Under the bill, managers who fail to enforce the ban face fines of up to $4,854. Bar and restaurant owners could lose their license to sell alcohol.
Individuals found smoking could be fined up to $1,941 under the proposed law.
© Copyright 2004 by United Press International
