Its chief executive Paul Waterson says it "fully endorses" the executive's bid to tighten smoking policies.

But he does not want to see a blanket ban introduced in Scotland.

Any change should be gradual to allow the public to adjust.

The SLTA represents the interests of more than 2,000 independent licensees in Scotland, ranging from small rural pubs and hotels, to city centre concept bars.

It is frequently represented in the press as opposing all attempts to curb smoking in public places, but this is far from accurate.

The truth is that the SLTA fully endorses the executive's desire to tighten smoking policy and has been working with the government for many years to take positive steps to improve the nation's health.

The association was one of the founding members of the Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places, launched in 2000, by the then minister for health, Susan Deacon.

We are however aware of the wider social implications of imposing an all-out ban.

Adapting to change

There is clear evidence from Ireland that a blanket ban will result in business closures, job losses, increased levels of crime and a huge hole in central and local government revenue.

What's more, it is likely that many pub-goers, especially in the rural areas of Scotland, will choose to ignore the ban, making a mockery of the legislation.

Is it fair to put bar staff in the position of having to face verbal or physical abuse to enforce this law?

It is for these reasons that many of our members came together to form AOB - Against an Outright Ban.

The group urges the public, and parliament, to give serious consideration to the full picture on smoking laws.

We have been actively campaigning for the gradual introduction of smoking legislation that will safeguard public health while at the same time allowing smokers to adapt appropriately; licensed trade establishments to make changes to their premises and the government to organise effective policing.

This approach has proved extremely effective in other countries such as Norway.

At the end of the day what we are saying is - a blanket ban is not the only solution to the smoking debate, nor is it the best one.