Scottish trade leaders have defended themselves against accusations that the Scottish Smoking Charter is a failure.
Last week doctors launched a scathing attack against the pub trade claiming that the results prove that the voluntary Charter has failed to make any inroads into reducing the dangers posed by smoking and the only way forward is for a total ban to be implemented.
But the results of the Smoking Charter, which were released last month, have beaten all expectations says the Scottish trade.
Stuart Ross, president of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) and chief executive of pub company Belhaven, said: "We are pleased to have met the targets for this stage and will be working to make sure our members are improving facilities."
The Scottish Charter set four key provisions, which include having a written smoking policy for both staff and the public, the provision of smoke-free areas for the public and the display of signage close to the entrance.
The Charter requires 56 per cent of public places to promote self-regulation on smoking through the use of signage, good ventilation and no-smoking areas where possible.
The trade has smashed this 56 per cent target with nearly three-quarters of licensees revealing they have a smoking policy in place.
Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "The figures are better than we could have expected. Sixty-eight per cent of licensees have a smoking policy compared to 46 per cent in 2000 and that marks a big step forward for the trade."
Scottish deputy health minister Tom McCabe said: "I am pleased to note the increase in the number of premises that offer smoke-free areas.
"We will shortly launch a new action plan on tobacco control designed specifically for the needs of Scotland. We're ruling nothing out at this stage and an extension of the voluntary approach remains an option."
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Scottish Smoking Charter has failed, claim doctors (25 September 2003)