 ANTI-smoking enforcers will be given the power to slap fixed- penalty fines of up to £100 on anybody caught lighting up in a public place in Scotland, Jack McConnell announced yesterday. Taking the biggest gamble of his political career, the First Minister unveiled his plans to ban smoking in all pubs, clubs, restaurants and offices after March 2006. He told MSPs he was determined to end Scotland's reputation as the "sick man of Europe" and would drive through a total ban because he wanted to improve the country's appalling health record. Mr McConnell's decision has put him at odds with the United Kingdom government, which has baulked at introducing a blanket ban, and it will enrage smokers in many of Scotland's Labour clubs, who donate substantial amounts of money to the party. |