One year on since Scotland introduced smoke free public places, Scotland's doctors still believe tobacco is the number one public health issue for Scots, the British Medical Association said today.

One year on since Scotland introduced smoke free public places, Scotland's doctors still believe tobacco is the number one public health issue for Scots, the British Medical Association said today. In a recent survey of BMA members in Scotland, nearly 70% of doctors said that they still believed that tackling smoking was the most important public health issue for Scotland. The survey of more than 600 doctors in Scotland revealed that: -- 96% of doctors said that enforcing age restrictions for the purchase of cigarettes was important to tackle teen smoking rates. -- 93% endorsed the introduction of a licence to sell cigarettes so that those who continue to sell cigarettes to under-age children would lose their licence. -- 92% backed a campaign to develop and implement a campaign to tackle maternal smoking. -- 86% supported raising the purchase age of cigarettes from 16-18. Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of BMA Scotland said: "Although smoke-free legislation is making a huge difference to the health of patients across Scotland, we can not become complacent about the continued high smoking rates in Scotland. "Scots have embraced the smoke free legislation and many have chosen to quit, however, much more must be done to reduce the number of smokers in Scotland, particularly among the young and pregnant women. "Scotland's smoke-free legislation has been essential in helping to change people's attitudes towards smoking and it has clearly underlined the dangers associated with smoking. I would hope that, along with better awareness and education of the health risks, strict enforcement of age restrictions and raising the purchase age to 18, young people will be encouraged to choose not to start a habit that is highly addictive and deadly. A campaign that tackles maternal smoking should also be implemented. "I am delighted that this legislation continues to be a success in Scotland and am particularly pleased that the people of England, Northern Ireland and Wales will shortly be joining us in enjoying smoke free enclosed public places across the whole of the UK." -- The survey of BMA Members formed the basis for the BMA's Election Manifesto "Priorities for Health". This is available online at:

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