Wales makes history today by becoming the first country in the UK to ban smoking in the grounds of schools and hospitals and in children’s playgrounds.

The Public Health (Wales) Act legislation which comes into force today, is aimed at driving down smoking rates in Wales where 18% of the adult population currently smoke. Any smokers caught lighting up in areas covered by the act could be subjected to a £100 fine.

When the legislation was first announced it was hailed by Welsh Government ministers as the most important public health legislation to be launched in a decade.

Smoking is the biggest cause of early preventable death in Wales and it costs the Welsh NHS £320 million a year to treat patients with smoking-related conditions.  Meanwhile smoking prevalence among young people remains stubbornly high with around 8% of 15–16-year-olds smoking weekly and an estimated 6,000 children taking up the habit every year. According to a YouGov survey by ASH Wales, 81% of adult smokers  tried their first cigarette aged 18 or under.

ASH Wales, which campaigned for the Public Health (Wales) Act legislation to come into force, believes the legislation will help to de-normalise smoking, prevent young people from taking up the habit and encourage existing smokers to quit. The charity also hopes the legislation could pave the way for more smoke-free spaces, with ministers indicating that a ban on smoking outside pubs, cafes and restaurants could be considered in the future.

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said:

“We are very proud that Wales is leading the way with this forward-thinking legislation.

“For too long smoking has been perceived as a normal lifestyle choice with smokers being able to light up in places where our children play, socialise and learn.

There is nothing normal about smoking, however. It is an extremely harmful addiction that all too often begins in childhood.  We hope that this legislation will make great strides in changing perceptions about this addiction and prevent children from becoming the next generation of adult smokers.”