Pubs to challenge Scottish smoking ban

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Scotland's pubs and clubs are considering legal action to try and stop the country's new smoking ban.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association says the ban will "decimate" the entertainment industry and could cost up to 30,000 jobs.

"We will continue the fight. We are consulting with legal advisers," SLTA Chief Executive Paul Waterson told a news conference. "We will pursue every avenue to ensure that the interests of the licensed trade are upheld."

The ban, which takes effect in 2006, will prohibit smokers from lighting up in enclosed public places including pubs, clubs and restaurants. Government officials said the ban's health benefits would outweigh any possible job losses.