By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MINISTERS WILL decide later this year whether to take radical action to ban smoking in public places in Scotland or to simply beef up existing rules.

Despite the success of an outright ban in Ireland, First Minister Jack McConnell is not in favour of a blanket ban and favours the extension of local initiatives.

It is also unlikely that ministers will give local councils powers to regulate smoking by law.

Yesterday deputy health minister Tom McCabe launched the Executive’s consultation on smoking in public places.

The huge opinion-sounding exercise, which lasts until September 30, will include public forums to be attended by Mr McCabe in Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen

“We want to hear all shades of opinion,” said the minister.

“Organisations with an interest will get a chance to voice their views and concerns.

“Whatever we decide to do, we want to have the backing of the Scottish people, which is why we are launching the consultation.”

About 19,000 Scots die each year from smoking-related diseases, according to the Executive, and smoking is estimated to cost the NHS £20 million a year north of the border.

Mr McCabe said that although the Executive could bring in new laws to curb smoking, legislation may not be the answer.

“Legislation is obviously an option but all options will be considered,” he commemnted.

“We are seeking to promote good citizenship and ensure smokers are aware of how their second-hand smoke affects others.

“A voluntary charter being operated by the licensed trade has yielded some results but seven out of ten pubs still allow smoking throughout their premises and smoke-free pubs and restaurants are still few and far between.”

BMA Scottish secretary Dr Bill O’Neill said that new legislation is necessary.

“The voluntary approach has failed while international experience has produced evidence that comprehensive tobacco control programmes, supported by national legislation, work,” he said.

“If Scotland were to take this line of action, then I believe it would be the single most effective piece of public health legislation to be passed in the UK.

“Just as Ireland has done, Scotland can be an international leader in public health strategies.”