Action for Wales

In June 2004 the Welsh Assembly Government set up an all-party committee to consider the health risks of second-hand smoke and the economic impact of restrictions on smoking in public places.

Following a public consultation, the Committee on Smoking in Public Places issued its report on 10 May 2005. Its main recommendation was that the National Assembly for Wales should press the UK Government for the powers that would enable it to introduce a ban in Wales on smoking in enclosed workplaces and public places (with specified exemptions) within a timescale of two to three years.

The Committee also made recommendations about 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.

Committee on Smoking in Public Places Report (pdf, 196kb) 

On the 5th July 2005, the Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr Brian Gibbons, issued a Cabinet statement (pdf 120kb) announcing that the Welsh Assembly Government accepted the Committee's recommendations and would introduce a ban on smoking in enclosed public places as soon as powers had been granted to the Welsh Assembly.

A consultation on proposals for smoke-free legislation took place in England and Wales in summer 2005. A summary of responses received by the Department of Health can be accessed via the Department of Health Website (opens in a new window).

Some respondents in Wales sent responses to the Welsh Assembly Government (opens in a new window).

In June 2006, The Health Act devolved powers to the National Assembly for Wales to make regulations for a ban on smoking in enclosed public places. As a result, on 21st July 2006 the Welsh Assembly Government launched a twelve-week public consultation on the draft Smoke-Free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations. These set out detailed proposals for smoke-free public places, workplaces and vehicles. A report on the consultation [PDF, 109.61KB] was issued in October 2006.

On the 19th September 2006, First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced that the new law in Wales will come into force on 2nd April 2007.