GTFM Smoking Ban Extension
Written by Gavin on 25th May 2018
Strengthening the laws around smoking in public in Wales will further protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and de-normalise smoking for children and young people.
While most hospitals already have no smoking policies in their grounds, it is currently difficult for staff to enforce this.
The changes will make it illegal to smoke in the hospital grounds, with legal backing for fines to be issued to smokers breaking the rules, therefore improving the environment for patients, visitors and staff.
“I am proud that Wales continues to be at the forefront of UK action to reduce smoking and prevent young people from taking it up in the first place.“We have seen significant changes to the attitudes to smoking since 2007. Back then we received some resistance to change, but we have seen a remarkable culture-change and I am pleased our plan to extend smoke-free areas to outdoor public spaces has received overwhelming public support.“This is another step in the right direction to de-normalise smoking in Wales.”
The NHS offers free help and advice to people wanting to give up smoking through Help Me Quit.
The changes to the smoke-free legislation will be introduced under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which was passed by Assembly Members last year.
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