Smoking ban comes into effect in Wales
Smokers in Wales were today banned from lighting up in public places.
Those flouting the new law – which came into force at 6am today – face a £50 (€74) fine.
The ban in Wales has been introduced by the Welsh Assembly three months earlier than in England, which follows suit on July 1.
It will be accompanied by a Wales-wide advertising campaign warning people of the fine for non-compliance with the ban.
Landlords and managers of pubs, clubs, cafes and bars who do not display adequate no-smoking signs will be fined £200 (€296) and could also face a fine of up to £2,500 (€3,695) if they allow people to smoke on their premises
Anyone issued with a penalty notice can challenge it in court in the same way as a speeding ticket.
But opposition politicians have called for the ban to be backed up by proper smoking cessation schemes.
Ministers in Wales say the new legislation could prevent 400 deaths from passive smoking a year.
Wales was the first part of the UK to call for a ban, but because of the Assembly’s limited law-making powers it had to wait until Parliament passed legislation last year.
It follows the scrapping of prescription charges yesterday – two flagship health policies introduced in the run-up to Welsh Assembly elections on May 3.
Welsh theatregoers will also notice a difference. There is no exemption for actors on stage and on film sets if their character is directed to smoke.
Actors in England will be allowed to smoke on the night, but not during rehearsals.
Wales’s health minister Brian Gibbons said: “There is not going to be a punitive, draconian approach to this. We felt as an Assembly government we should strive to get this ban in place seeing as the view of the Assembly has been known on this for quite a long time.
“I would be shocked if there is anybody who this is likely to affect in Wales who doesn’t know that the ban is coming in.”
Welsh Conservatives’ health spokesman Jonathan Morgan AM welcomed the move today.
“The ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces is the greatest public health reform in Wales for generations,” he said.
“This is not an anti-smokers measure. It is a measure to protect non-smokers who legitimately want to enjoy a night out without running the risk of developing a smoking-related disease.
“Pubs and clubs need to ensure people are aware of the ban. Ignorance of the law is no defence. The Assembly government must also provide proper investment in smoking cessation schemes.
“I have no doubt that as a result of this ban, some smokers in Wales will consider giving up. They need every support to help them achieve this.”
The Scottish Executive heralded its year-old ban as a success last week when it said there had been more than 46,000 attempts to quit smoking since it began.
British Heart Foundation in Wales’ public affairs manager Delyth Lloyd said: “The introduction of a smoking ban in all workplaces in Wales will be an historic milestone for the nation’s health.
“Not only will it be good news for non-smokers, who will be protected from second-hand smoke, but it represents the perfect time for smokers across Wales to attempt to give up for good.”
