What the Sunday papers said

Laws banning smoking lead to more people taking up the habit, a new report published today claims. As a smoking ban is introduced in Scotland, an official study by the authorities in Ireland - where a ban has been in place for nearly two years - concludes its own ban has been counter-productive. Since the Irish ban came into force the numbers of smokers has increased, with some speculating that the prohibition has made smoking 'cool'. This is believed to be especially so amongst young people who indulge in the practice of 'smirting' - smoking and flirting outside a pub. Smoking rates in Ireland have risen from 22 per cent in March 2004 to just over 23 per cent in December last year. - Mail On Sunday​

Smokers in Scotland took their last puffs in pubs, bars and restaurants yesterday as a smoking ban came into effect at 6am this morning. Those who break the rules on lighting up in nearly every public space north of the border face an on-the-spot fine of £50. Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK said: "This historic law will save thousands of lives." - Independent On Sunday​

Identity cards are to be launched in the UK in 2009 as the timing fits in with passport changes in the rest of Europe. A government memo obtained by the Mail On Sunday says this is being kept secret for 'political reasons' and because the Blair administration is copying European Union law changes, despite having the legal right to refuse them. Meanwhile a Labour council was accused of using heavy-handed tactics to break up an anti-ID cards demonstration. North London's Haringey Council sent in a 'Heavy Enforcement Team' to disperse and photograph activists who were distributing leaflets to passers-by. - Mail On Sunday​

Energy regulator Ofgem has warned that fuel bills could rise by as much as 20 per cent next year. Gas prices in the UK could rocket by a further £3bn in 2007, according to Ofgem's director of wholesale markets, Sonia Brown. - Mail On Sunday​

Britons are guzzling champagne and cava in record numbers as drinkers turn away from beer, wine or spirits towards the fizzy stuff. Champagne sales in the UK have doubled since 1997, while sales of cava have tripled over the same period. Sales are likely to be given a boost by Chancellor Brown's decision to freeze duty on champagne and sparkling wines in last week's Budget. Price cutting among retailers has also boosted cava sales in recent years. - Independent On Sunday​

Whitbread has emerged as the front-runner to buy Next Generation, the health club group founded by David Lloyd and his son Scott. Final bids are due on Tuesday and could top £210m. However Whitbread could face stiff opposition from rival bidders who are said to include Robert Tchenguiz's R20 investment vehicle. - Sunday Telegraph​

And finally...

Writers of TV drama north of the border are having to follow the same rules as anyone else when it comes to the recently-arrived smoking ban. ITV, which makes detective series Rebus, adapted from the Ian Rankin books, is having to amend scripts to include the new law. In one scene the character, played by Ken Stott, falls foul of the law when he tries to light up in his favourite watering hole, the Oxford Bar in Edinburgh. Stage productions are likely to be affected too, as will they be south of the border when a ban comes into effect there, probably next year. - Sunday Times​