Mainland Britain watches Scotland

Scotland is set to follow Ireland. How does it plan to do it, and what is the reaction? Ian Buxton reports

Despite what could – at best – be described as a mixed public response to the ‘consultation’ stage, the Scottish Executive has decided to press ahead with its plans to ban all smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland.

In a controversial move, 33 year old civil servant Sarah Davidson will head the Executive’s tobacco control division, on a reported £75,000 pa salary. Ms Davidson, an Oxford University graduate in Italian Renaissance art, first came to public notice as project manager of the ill-fated Holyrood Parliament building. During her three year tenure, construction costs spiralled from £230 million to over £430 million – Ms Davidson taking a six month sabbatical to go travelling immediately prior to the Parliament’s opening.

The Tobacco Control Division will have a staff of half a dozen civil servants and be responsible for implementing the law to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces.

The health department refused to comment on the exact details of the appointment but said it was “right and proper” to have dedicated staff responsible for seeing through “one of the most important pieces of work” to be carried out since devolution.

The Tories, who oppose a total smoking ban in public places, predicted more tough times ahead for Ms Davidson.

A spokesman said: “Ms Davidson obviously relishes a challenge and taking on tasks that are unpopular and largely unnecessary.

“The only silver lining may be that if a ban is ever to be brought in it is likely to be years lat.....

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By Ian Buxton

Section : Smoking Issues

Page number : 16

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 3 on 01/05/2005.

This article is 69 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	Mainland Britain watches Scotland Scotland is set to follow Ireland. How does it plan to do it, and what is the reaction? Ian Buxton reports Despite what could – at best – be described as a mixed public response to the ‘consultation’ stage, the Scottish Executive has decided to press ahead with its plans to ban all smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland. In a controversial move, 33 year old civil servant Sarah Davidson will head the Executive’s tobacco control division, on a reported £75,000 pa salary. Ms Davidson, an Oxford University graduate in Italian Renaissance art, first came to public notice as project manager of the ill-fated Holyrood Parliament building. During her three year tenure, construction costs spiralled from £230 million to over £430 million – Ms Davidson taking a six month sabbatical to go travelling immediately prior to the Parliament’s opening. The Tobacco Control Division will have a staff of half a dozen civil servants and be responsible for implementing the law to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces. The health department refused to comment on the exact details of the appointment but said it was “right and proper” to have dedicated staff responsible for seeing through “one of the most important pieces of work” to be carried out since devolution. The Tories, who oppose a total smoking ban in public places, predicted more tough times ahead for Ms Davidson. A spokesman said: “Ms Davidson obviously relishes a challenge and taking on tasks that are unpopular and largely unnecessary. “The only silver lining may be that if a ban is ever to be brought in it is likely to be years lat..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By Ian Buxton Section : Smoking Issues Page number : 16 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 3 on 01/05/2005. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 69 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2010. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.