New law on smoking around hospital buildings to come into force
The rule applies to everyone, including staff, visitors, and patients.
Smoking within 15 metres of a hospital building will be banned from tomorrow as a new law comes into effect.
The new rule is the next step in the Scottish Government’s plan to make Scotland tobacco-free by 2034.
It also supports the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy introduced in 2015.
Under the new law, anyone found lighting up within 15 metres of a hospital building risks facing a fixed penalty notice of £50. If the case ends up in court, the fine could reach up to £1,000.
The rule applies to everyone, including staff, visitors and patients at NHS hospital settings that are used for patient treatment and care. This includes a ban on smoking beneath overhanging structures.
Patient protection
Public health minister, Maree Todd, said: "Everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health and hospital patients in particular should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
"This new law is the latest step in our bold plan to make Scotland tobacco-free by 2034 - building on our dedicated stop-smoking services and early intervention measures to stop youngsters picking up the habit altogether.
"Anyone looking to quit can contact the NHS QuitYourWay Helpline or speak to their local pharmacy to discuss the range of help available."