20th anniversary of smoke-free spaces in Scotland

On Sunday 26th March 2006, Scotland was one of this first countries in the world to introduce UK-leading comprehensive legislation to protect our population in indoor public spaces from the harmful effects of breathing second-hand tobacco smoke.

The legislation was a major success by clearing the air in enclosed public spaces including bars, restaurants and most workplaces. The impacts were extensively evaluated and provided robust evidence that helped other nations in the UK and across the planet to follow suit.

The legislation is considered one of the most important public health measures in the first quarter of the 21st century and a landmark achievement of the devolved Scottish Parliament.

On Thursday 26th March 2026, we celebrate 20 years since these measures came into effect across Scotland. The University of Stirling has partnered with ASH Scotland to produce graphic assets for posting on digital and social media, combined with highlighting key evidence about health impacts, changes to air quality as well as shifts in behaviour and attitudes.

This toolkit of key messages provides materials you can share. The materials will help people working in the NHS in Scotland, and those promoting public health more widely, to celebrate Scotland’s collective success 20 years on.

We encourage everyone to celebrate by posting about the anniversary on social media! Download the assets and post using the hashtag #SmokefreeScotland

A photo of Glasgow city from the sky is overlaid with text celebrating 20 years of smoke-free legislation in Scotland
Download here

#SmokefreeScotland

For more information on the evidence of the impacts of Scotland’s 2006 smoke-free legislation please click the button below

Read more here(opens in new tab)

Professor Sean Semple at the University of Stirling says:

“Scotland has made fantastic progress in tackling second-hand tobacco smoke exposure since smoke-free public spaces became law in 2006. On this 20th anniversary of one of our most important public health measures, it is important that we celebrate the difference it has made to our health through improving indoor air quality in our workplaces and leisure settings. We hope these images and key messages are widely used by the people of Scotland to recognise the significant impact of 20 years of smoke-free public spaces.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, says:

“Smoke-free enclosed spaces has saved lives and is a highly valued achievement of the Scottish Parliament. 20 years on, we need new ways of protecting people who are still exposed to harmful tobacco smoke while at work as well as children in areas not covered by legislation. People in Scotland heartily backed the original smoke-free legislation and it’s time to take a further step to clear the air and provide healthy environments for children growing up."

The Unwelcome Guest: How Scotland invited the tobacco industry to smoke outside

You can read more about the report published about the introduction of smoke-free legislation 20 years ago here.

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References

Smoking prevalence1

  • Since 2006 smoking rates have nearly halved in Scotland
  • Half a million fewer Scots smoke today than in 2006

Second-hand smoke exposure2-3

  • Smoke-free legislation improved air quality in bars by 86%
  • Since 2006 non-smokers in Scotland now breathe 97% less second-hand smoke
  • Scots are protected from the harms of second-hand smoke in nearly all workplaces

Health4-5

  • Smoke-free legislation was linked to a 17% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attack
  • Scotland’s smoke-free legislation - fewer asthma attacks, strokes and heart attacks
A scenic photo of the Scottish Highland hills is overlaid with text celebrating 20 years of smoke-free public spaces in Scotland

Supporting references

  1. Scottish Health Survey data show the prevalence of smoking has fallen from 26% in 2005 to 14% in 2024. https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-health-survey/
  2. Semple S, Maccalman L, Naji AA, et al. Bar workers' exposure to second-hand smoke: the effect of Scottish smoke-free legislation on occupational exposure. Ann Occup Hyg. 2007;51(7):571-580.
  3. Semple S, Mueller W, Leyland AH, Gray L, Cherrie JW. Assessing progress in protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke. Tob Control. 2019;28(6):692-695.
  4. Pell JP, Haw S, Cobbe S, et al. Smoke-free legislation and hospitalizations for acute coronary syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(5):482-491.
  5. Mackay D, Haw S, Ayres JG, Fischbacher C, Pell JP. Smoke-free legislation and hospitalizations for childhood asthma. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(12):1139-1145