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 offences:

• 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 centres, leisure centres, other enclosed workplaces and public transport.