Support for proposals to ban smoking in public places in Scotland has more than trebled over the last six months, a poll has suggested.

The survey commissioned by the Scottish Executive said that 56% of people back the bill, which will be considered by MSPs on Thursday. A third of those questioned by Market Research UK said they opposed the ban, while 11% were undecided. A poll last December suggested that just 13% supported a total ban. The executive wants to bring in a ban on smoking in enclosed public places, such as pubs, clubs and restaurants, from spring next year. The bill is opposed by the licensed trade, which has warned of the effect on business. The latest survey, which was unveiled by Health Minister Andy Kerr, found a majority in favour of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill. Nine out of 10 people said they were aware of the bill - and almost three quarters of those questioned agreed that action should be taken to reduce exposure to passive smoking and second-hand smoke. However, 57% of smokers said a ban would have no effect on how much they smoked. Mr Kerr said: "I am very pleased to see so many Scots are in favour of what we're doing. "This bill is the most important piece of public health legislation in a generation, and widespread understanding is vital."

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