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Welsh smoking ban starts in April Welsh smoking ban starts in April
(30 minutes later)
A smoking ban in enclosed public spaces will be introduced in Wales next April, before similar laws in England, First Minister Rhodri Morgan has announced.A smoking ban in enclosed public spaces will be introduced in Wales next April, before similar laws in England, First Minister Rhodri Morgan has announced.
Mr Morgan said the ban would be enforced from 2 April, a month before the assembly elections. The ban will begin on 2 April, a month before the assembly election, and at the same time as Northern Ireland.
A smoking ban will start in England on a so far unspecified date next summer. A ban already exists in Scotland.A smoking ban will start in England on a so far unspecified date next summer. A ban already exists in Scotland.
The Welsh Assembly Government was given the power earlier this year to make its own smoking laws. AMs voted for a ban in 2003, but the could not be changed until this year's Health Act setting out England's ban.
More to follow soon... The draft legislation is currently out to consultation, covering issues such as the definition of "enclosed," possible exemptions and how the ban will be enforced.
The consultation ends next month.
'Protect the public'
Mr Morgan said: "The risks of second-hand smoke have been known for some time.
"This is why the National Assembly voted in 2003 to seek powers to ban smoking in enclosed public places. This is now becoming a reality.
"If all the legislation goes through assembly procedures as expected Wales will have a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places from 2 April, 2007."
The assembly government will also run a campaign to raise awareness of the risks of second-hand smoke.
Chief medical officer for Wales Tony Jewell said the ban would avert more than 400 deaths a year in Wales from lung cancer, chronic heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease.
"By introducing this legislation we can reduce the effects of second-hand smoke and protect the public and workers from the harmful effects," he said.