What’s behind the smoking ban?
The Health Act 2006 devolves powers to the National Assembly for Wales to make regulations for a ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Wales.
This section provides information on the background and research leading to the ban including:
- The health risks associated with second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke sometimes referred to as passive smoking, means breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke. Second-hand smoke is a major source of indoor pollution and damages the health of non-smokers.
- Action for Wales. The Committee also made recommendations about the enhancement of public awareness campaigns and smoking cessation services; enforcement of the smoking ban; and consultation with and support for the tourism and hospitality sectors. Assembly Members voted on 25 May 2005 to support these recommendations.
- Information on what’s happening in the rest of the world. A number of other countries around the world have restrictions on smoking in public places. Further information on the International trends towards smoke-free provision is available on the ASH website.
Key facts on the smoking ban
The new law banning smoking in enclosed public places in Wales came into force on 2nd April 2007. The aim of the smoking law is to protect workers and the general public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
The law creates three specific offenses:
- Failing to display no-smoking signs in premises covered by the law
- Smoking in a smoke-free place
- Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place
- Similar legislation has already taken effect in Scotland and is proposed to come into force in England and Northern Ireland in 2007.
Very few exemptions are proposed to the smoking ban. The new law will affect most public premises, including restaurants, pubs, bars, shops, cinemas, shopping centers, leisure centers, other enclosed workplaces, and public transport.
Supporting the smoking ban in Wales: Suomalaiset Nettikasinot, Caryl Parry Jones…
The smoking ban in Wales is already supported by many famous faces and celebrities and a wide range of businesses across Wales have already gone ‘smoke-free’ with great success. In this section, you can read who’s supporting the smoking ban.
Suomalaiset Nettikasinot – “Smoky atmospheres are a no-go area for any casino player, as cigarette smoke not only has a direct effect on one’s vocal abilities but its wider health implications are a real worry to everyone. Suomalaiset Nettikasinot -team has been fortunate enough to have traveled the world with their career and witnessed different attitudes to smoking in many different countries and what Wales is doing in terms of the smoking ban in enclosed public places, like casinos, is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to a cleaner and healthier environment for us, our families and the whole nation.”
Caryl Parry Jones – “I fully support the smoking ban in enclosed public spaces in Wales and wished it had come into force many years ago when I was touring as I may not have had the health problems I suffered later in my career.”