The data, published today by ASH Scotland, also found that 28 per cent of people say they visit pubs and bars more often now than they did before the ban.

ASH Scotland’s Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said that the ban in Scotland helped “blaze a trail” for public health in the UK, but added that the next big challenge will be stopping a new generation from getting hooked on tobacco.

“Government figures show that every year, 15,000 13-24 year olds start smoking in Scotland. 82 per cent of 15-year old smokers and 47 per cent of 13-year old smokers report buying their cigarettes from shops. But in 2005-06, only 2 retailers were fined for selling cigarettes to children. The fines were both less than £200.

“ASH Scotland is calling on the government to take the next big step to improve the health of our young people.”

Duffy called on the Scottish Government to introduce a positive licensing scheme, such as that outlined in Christine Grahame MSP’s Proposed Tobacco Sales Licensing (Scotland) private member’s bill, whereby retailers who sell tobacco products must apply for a straightforward licence and any retailers found selling cigarettes to children could have their licence suspended.

This, she said, would be “much more effective, and less bureaucratic”, than the current system of prosecution and fines for retailers who break the law.

She continued: “A nation can be judged by the health of its children. With this step, we could take real action to tackle the sale of cigarettes to children. Today I am challenging the Scottish Government to once again show us that it is leading the way to promote public health in the UK.”

Public Health Minister Shona Robison marked the second anniversary by urging smokers to make use of smoking cessation services to help them kick the habit.

Speaking as she visited a smoking cessation service in Forth Valley that helps pregnant women give up smoking, she said that “great strides” have been made in reducing the number of smokers in Scotland and creating an environment that helps people to give up.

"However we can not rest on our laurels. Smoking remains the most important and preventable cause of ill-health and premature death in Scotland.

"It is really encouraging to see that thousands of people attempted to stop smoking last year. However we also recognise that there was a drop in that number compared to 2006.

"This is why our strategy for the future will not only support those remaining smokers to give up but also concentrates on discouraging people from taking up the habit in the first place.”

Referring to the Scottish Government’s forthcoming five year action plan for tackling smoking, she said the focus will be on discouraging young people in particular from taking up smoking, by making smoking seem less accessible and attractive.

She added: "We will also be investing an additional £33m over the next three years to enable NHS Boards to continue the good work already being done.

"I would encourage everyone who currently smokes to visit a cessation service and find out what help is available to help kick the habit for good."