People can no longer smoke within 15 metres of a Scottish hospital building, owing to a new law which has come into effect today.
The rule is part of the Scottish Government 's plans to generate a tobacco free Scotland by the year 2034, and supports the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy first introduced in 2015.
Anyone found to be smoking within 15 metres of a hospital building could be slapped with an on-the-spot fine of £50 or a fine up to a whopping £1,000 if the case proceeds to court, according to GlasgowLive.
The new law involves a ban on smoking beneath overhanging structures and applies to NHS hospital settings used for patient treatment and care.
Public health minister Maree Todd said: "Everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health and hospital patients in particular should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
"This new law is the latest step in our bold plan to make Scotland tobacco-free by 2034 - building on our dedicated stop-smoking services and early intervention measures to stop youngsters picking up the habit altogether.
"Anyone looking to quit can contact the NHS QuitYourWay Helpline or speak to their local pharmacy to discuss the range of help available."
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