When was smoking banned in hospitals

Smoking in enclosed public spaces was banned in Wales in The Welsh Government said it hoped the ban would help protect people's health by discouraging adults and children from starting smoking and supporting those who are trying to quit. In addition to fines, a speaker system which allows people to press a button and remind smokers they are breaking the law has been installed at the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran and the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.

A similar system has previously been used at hospitals in the Hywel Dda and Cardiff and Vale health board areas. Enforcement officers employed by Aneurin Bevan health board will also patrol hospital grounds. Suzanne Cass, of anti-smoking group Ash Wales, said: "We are very proud that Wales is leading the way with this forward-thinking legislation.

It is an extremely harmful addiction that all too often begins in childhood. But the industry-funded Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco Forest has labelled the law "unnecessary and wrong" and like "taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

Director Simon Clark said there was no evidence to suggest the law would achieve what the Welsh Government wants it to. Banning smoking at hospitals was "particularly unjust", Mr Clark said, because it targets smokers who may be "stressed and in need of a comforting cigarette".

He added: "Most smokers use their common sense and don't smoke around small children. Nor is there evidence that a significant number of people are routinely lighting up in the places where smoking will now be prohibited.

This article is more than 8 months old. The Welsh minister for mental health and wellbeing, Eluned Morgan, hailed the smoking ban as a proud day for Wales. Topics Smoking Health news. We need to do everything we can to combat the harmful effects of smoking. There are resources and support services available from Help Me Quit for those looking to give up smoking, and I hope our action will be the catalyst to a healthier, smoke-free Wales for years to come.

Skip to main content. About cookies. You are here: Home Announcements All announcements Ban on smoking on hospital grounds comes into force in Wales. First published:. This was published under the to administration of the Welsh Government.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Eluned Morgan, said: We are immensely proud to have brought into force this law today making hospital grounds, school grounds, playgrounds and outdoor care settings for children smoke-free in Wales.

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