A ban on smoking in enclosed public places has begun across Wales. Pubs, restaurants, offices and public transport are all covered by the ban, which came into force on 2 April 2007. Those found smoking can face on the spot fines of £50, while those in charge of premises could be fined £2,500 for allowing smoking. There is also a fine of £200 for failing to display adequate no-smoking signs. A similar ban is already in force in Scotland, Northern Ireland will follow suit on 30 April 2007 and England on 1 July 2007.
Health bodies and politicians hope for long-term benefits to people's health and a reduction in passive smoking effects for non-smokers. However, some pro-smoking groups have called the outright ban "draconian" and wanted more options available. The British Medical Association's (BMA) secretary in Wales, Richard Lewis said, "This is the greatest public health initiative in Wales for over a century. The BMA has campaigned hard for years for it."
Extra enforcement officers are being taken on to support trading standards enforcement teams, and the ban will cover offices to lorry cabs, hospitals to football grounds and theatre stages, with very few exemptions.
