A SMOKING ban action day at a Methil pub grabbed wide media attention on Monday's first anniversary of the controversial legislation's introduction.
A SMOKING ban action day at a Methil pub grabbed wide media attention on Monday's first anniversary of the controversial legislation's introduction.
The event at the Kirkland Bar also saw the launch of the Publican Party, formed as a direct respons
e to the smoking ban.
On the day the ban was hailed a success by the Scottish Executive, opponents stepped up their campaign to have the legislation amended.
Organised by prospective independent Levenmouth council candidates Anne Marie Flack and John O'Brien, representatives from the licensing trade and pressure groups from all over the UK met to discuss the impact of the ban.
Kirkland Bar owner Norrie Martin, also Publican Party candidate for Lothian said: "The ban has been horrendous.
"A lot of pensioners just wanted to come to the pub for a pint, a smoke and a chat. They no longer do that.
"We are now having to cut staff hours. We fear for our business, every landlord does.
"We've even had developers asking us if we want to sell up."
Barmaid at the Kirkland Bar Lorraine Cunningham has been in the business for 22 years.
She said: "I have never seen the bar so quiet. I serve about six people during the day when I used to serve about 30-40.
"I disagree with the ban totally. It's affecting all our livelihoods."
Publican Party candidate for Mid Scotland and Fife Ian Robertson believes the legislation was rushed through.
He said: "There was no consultation and they never listened. They argued it was a danger to health but now children are at risk because parents are being forced to smoke at home.
"We are not looking to lift the ban, just to be able to provide rooms for smoking."
Bill Gibson, of pressure group Freedom to Choose, believes a balance between choice and protecting health can be reached.
He said: "We wish to have the legislation amended to include designated smoking areas with air filtration and linked to a regulated indoor air quality standard.
"We know this is the right way to go. They say they are protecting bar staff but the indoor air quality standard would do this."
Mrs Flack added: "The smoking ban in public places in Scotland is probably one of the most controversial and contrived pieces of legislation the Scottish Executive has been guilty of spinning to date."
But the ban has been hailed as a huge success by the Executive.
The most comprehensive study in the world on the impact of a smoking ban is being carried out in Scotland. Interim results showed 46,466 efforts to quit the habit during the year.
First Minister Jack McConnell said the ban had been a major success and would create tangible long-term benefits.
He said: "Even after one year, Scotland is a healthier place and people, both in work and at leisure, are able to avoid the atmosphere which in the past caused them health problems."
