New bid to reduce harm from tobacco

AN AMBITIOUS strategy has been launched by a city-based anti-smoking charity to reduce the harm of tobacco across the country.

ASH Scotland's Beyond Smoke-free document sets out 33 recommendations, including how to tackle smoking in deprived communities and discouraging youngsters from taking up the habit.

Since its creation, ASH has become a major influence on policy-makers at the Scottish Government.

Chief executive Sheila Duffy said: "Beyond Smoke-free is ambitious, radical and far-reaching. It contains robust yet achievable recommendations.

"To truly tackle tobacco which is a uniquely addictive and lethal product, ambition, vision and innovation is needed."

She added: "Not everyone will agree with every single recommendation, but I hope it will provoke debate."