Council leader flouts smoking ban

Councillor McCabe said he was trying to give up smoking

A council leader has admitted flouting the smoking ban by smoking three cigarettes during a magazine interview.

Jim McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, has apologised for the incident and vowed that it would not happen again.

The Scottish Executive called for an investigation into the matter.

It is understood the journalist from the political Holyrood magazine pointed out to Mr McCabe that he was breaking the law.

I accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and I apologise Councillor Jim McCabe

The Viewpark councillor said: "I have been a smoker since my mid-teens and, as smokers across the country will understand, it is an extremely difficult habit to give up, even with the wealth of support that is available.

"As I have been unable, so far, to give up the habit, I do as a matter of practice leave the council building when having a cigarette.

"I am currently attending a smoking cessation clinic, and I hope this will have the desired results."

He added: "I accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and I apologise."

John O'Hagan, North Lanarkshire Council's director of administration, said the authority was committed to implementing the smoking ban on its premises.

Action taken

He said: "We understand that Councillor McCabe has personally acknowledged the error on his part and has issued a personal apology.

"As we have only been made aware of the incident involving the council leader, action will be taken to ensure that there is full compliance with the requirements of the legislation at all times and we will be speaking to the elected member concerned."

A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said: "The law is clear - in Scotland smoking is banned in all enclosed public places, including places of work.

"We would expect this incident to be investigated and for North Lanarkshire Council to respond appropriately in terms of enforcement."