Schotse politie weigert eventueel rookverbod te controleren
Schotse regeringsfunctionarissen die aansturen op een algemeen rookverbod in de pubs in de hooglanden hoeven niet te rekenen op steun van de politie. Dat hebben hoger Schotse politieofficieren vorige week aan regeringsfunctionarissen duidelijk gemaakt.
Critici laten weten dat dit een opstapje kan zijn naar de instelling van een echte rookpolitie of de opstelling van bewakingscamera’s.
The Executive has yet to announce how it intends the planned smoking ban to be policed, but with forces reluctant to get involved, one option is to use local authority environmental health officials.
Ministers could also choose to follow the example of Ireland, where a smoking ban was introduced in March.
There, regional health boards with a range of enforcement powers from the imposition of fines to the loss of licences police the ban.
Police concern over how the ban will be implemented comes just days before the Executive is set to announce plans for legislation to introduce a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places by March 2006.
Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Jack McConnell, the First Minister, will announce his intention to press ahead with a bill by December.
Mr McConnell wants to see a complete ban, although there is likely to be a limited number of concessions for institutions such as prisons and nursing homes.
The Scotsman
Ban could have smokers placed under surveillance
Minister komt met details