Three quarters want Scots smoke exemptions
19 March, 2007
Poll claims 74 per cent in favour of private clubs' exemptions
Nearly three quarters of Scottish adults believe that private clubs and bingo halls should be exempt from the smoking ban, a new poll has revealed.
The research, carried out by Populus for smokers’ lobby group FOREST, found that 74 per cent said clubs and bingo halls should be allowed a offer a well-ventilated designated smoking room.
Seventy-four per cent, of the 1,004 adults questioned, also supported the setting up of specialist ‘smokers clubs’ run by smokers for smokers.
In response FOREST has called on the Scottish Executive to exempt private clubs and bingo halls.
FOREST spokesman Neil Rafferty said: "The majority of the public has always supported a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities. The ban has been in force for a year now and most people still feel that places like private clubs should be able to permit smoking in separate, well-ventilated rooms.
"Instead of talking about extending the smoking ban still further, the Scottish Executive should be looking at reversing some of its regulations and introducing more licensed exemptions."