Wrexham’s MS welcomes smoking ban at hospitals, schools and playgrounds

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd has welcomed new legislation making it illegal for people smoke on hospital grounds.

The landmark law, which came into place on Monday, also means that all school grounds, public playgrounds and the outdoor areas of day-care and child minding settings in Wales will be required to be smoke-free.

It has been introduced to protect the public’s health by aiming to discourage people from starting smoking in the first place and to support those trying to quit.

The Welsh Government say that by introducing smoke-free legislation, it is hoped to protect more people from being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke and reduce the chances of children starting smoking.

Anyone found breaking the law could face a fine of up to £100.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “Strengthening the laws around smoking in public places will further protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, as well as acting as a greater deterrent for children and young people.

“Introducing the smoking ban in indoor places in 2007 has helped bring about a major cultural shift.

“Attitudes towards smoking have altered as the legislation has helped de-normalise the habit.

“This latest legislation takes us a step further and I am proud the Welsh Government is determined to protect and improve public health, particularly safeguarding Wales’ younger generation from the effects of smoking.”

The landmark law aims to discourage people from starting smoking in the first place and to support those trying to quit.

By introducing smoke-free legislation, it is hoped more people will be protected from harmful second-hand smoke and that the chances of children starting to smoke will be reduced.

Anyone found breaking the law could face a fine of up to £100 and further guidance has been published on the Welsh Government’s website.