Angela Burns MS – the Shadow Minister for Health – has reacted to plans by the Welsh Labour-led Government to ban smoking of tobacco and ‘vape’ products at almost all outdoor venues – if the party is elected in next year’s Welsh Parliament election.
The Health Minister said he intended to ban smoking outdoors in places such restaurants as well as city and town centres. A ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces was introduced in Wales in 2007.
Mrs Burns said:
“The health of our nation – and the corresponding strain that ill health puts on NHS Wales – is of course a massive concern for everyone.
“This proposal will be perceived by many as Draconian and before acceptance we would need to see what additional measures the Health Minister would offer for people who want to quit, and what increase in smoking cessation services will be provided.
“For such a measure to be successful, more resources to encourage people away from smoking must be done, and we would disagree with any ban on the use of vaping products, which have turned so many people way from cigarettes.”