The Scottish Government is setting a new legislation in the hope of dissuading young people from smoking. The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill, being published at Holyrood will be a joint effort by the Scottish Government, HM Revenue and Customs, and council trading standards officers.

The national crackdown on tobacco was unveiled in Edinburgh by Public Health Minister Shona Robison, who said, "We're determined to improve the nation's health but our efforts will be in vain unless we can cut Scotland's smoking rates - quitting smoking is the biggest single thing anyone can do to improve their health."

The bill would also target bootleg tobacco, either smuggled or counterfeit and could include measures such as a ban on the open display of tobacco products in shops. Tightened restrictions on vending machines are also possible as youngsters can buy cigarettes without needing to show any age proof.

Robinson said there would be more rigorous enforcement of existing tobacco laws and a clampdown on the sale of smuggled or fake cigarettes on street corners and pubs. "As Public Health Minister, I'm determined to do all I can to reduce smoking rates, particularly among children," she said. "If we can help the next generation grow up smoke-free, that will be a tremendous legacy to leave them."

According to a survey in 2006, 47% of 13 year olds were regular smokers while in the case of 15 year olds 82 % of them who smoked regularly bought cigarettes from a shop. The Scottish Government hopes to reduce these numbers to less than 23 % by 2012.

As per recent figures the number of young people in Scotland who smoked had returned to a level that was last seen almost 10 years ago. The Government last year had announced its smoking prevention action plan, which includes a proposal to restrict the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products at points of sale.

Officials said a recent trading standards operation in Glasgow found that a quarter of shopkeepers still sell cigarettes to 16- years-olds. Ministers are looking into a registration scheme with fixed fines for shopkeepers who break the rules.