Scotland's First Minister today gave a strong indication the country would soon follow Ireland's lead in introducing a workplace smoking ban.
Mr Jack McConnell said during a visit to Dublin that the clear popularity of the ban and the level of compliance had been overwhelming and hugely influential.
"I am certainly more convinced now that at the very least something approaching an all-out ban is enforceable, practical and desirable in Scotland," he told a press conference in the Porterhouse pub on Parliament Street.
He confirmed an announcement would be made before Christmas as to the extent smoking will be banned in public places.
Until today Mr McConnell had professed to be very sceptical of a blanket ban but he said the reaction to the fledgling law in Ireland had been impressive.
"There is a very strong signal coming from Ireland that there are more benefits in having a consistent ban," he added. "I am now much closer to the idea that a consistent ban could be advantageous and would make such a law much easier to observe."
The visit is part of a Scottish Executive-led public consultation on a potential ban, which is due to end next month.
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin advised Mr McConnell not to be worried about the backlash such a controversial move could provoke.
"The ordinary punter on the street wanted this to happen and it is they who made it happen," he said. "It has turned out to be a very popular measure and has transformed lives."