First Minister announces smoking ban date

19 Sep 2006

First Minister Rhodri Morgan today announced that the Assembly Government aims to ban smoking in all enclosed public places in Wales from 02 April 2007.

Draft regulations for the legislation are currently out to consultation and cover issues such as definitions of "enclosed", proposed exemptions, signage requirements and enforcement arrangements. Once the consultation ends in October the regulations will then go through the relevant Assembly Committees and Plenary sessions.
The First Minister said: "The risks of second-hand smoke have been known for some time. This is why the National Assembly voted in 2003 to seek powers to ban smoking in enclosed public places. This is now becoming a reality. If all the legislation goes through Assembly procedures as expected Wales will have a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places from 02 April 2007. This is a decision which has been supported by all political parties across the Assembly and has been strongly advocated by health spokespeople of all other parties."

Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons said: "To try and raise awareness of the risks of second-hand smoke, we are also running a public awareness campaign on the dangers."

Over the coming weeks you will see and hear television and radio adverts which re-emphasise the risks of second-hand smoke. The adverts, which were filmed in smoky environments, aim to raise awareness of the harmful effects of second-hand smoke on non-smokers. They repeat the hard-hitting message that second-hand smoke can lead to heart disease, lung cancer and other serious respiratory conditions. No-one should be subject to this.

"To support the radio and television adverts you may also notice washroom posters and beer mats appearing in your local pub. These will give you some of the basic facts on the harmful effects of second-hand smoke."
Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Tony Jewell said: "The effects of second-hand smoke should not be underestimated. It is estimated that introduction of a ban on smoking in public places and workplaces will avert over 400 deaths among non-smokers each year in Wales from lung cancer, CHD, stroke and respiratory disease. This makes it clear that second-hand smoke is a serious public health risk.

"By introducing this legislation we can reduce the effects of second-hand smoke and protect the public and workers from the harmful effects."