Jeff Cuthbert AM is celebrating the five year anniversary of the smoking ban in public places this weekend.
Since the ban was introduced (April 2nd 2007) there has been a sharp decline in the number of non-smoking adults being exposed regularly to other people’s smoke – 33% compared to 66% in 2005/06.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said:
“I am proud that a Welsh Labour Government introduced this ban and we’ve built on that with a ban on selling cigarettes in vending machines and a campaign to stop people smoking in cars when children are present.
“The health risks of smoking are well known and it is not fair on non-smokers to be involuntarily exposed to those dangers.
“For anyone who wishes to stop smoking then Stop Smoking Wales (0800 085 2219) can provide one-to-one or group support. The Smokers Helpline (0800 169 0 169) is also on hand to offer friendly and easy to understand information.”
Welsh Labour’s Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said:
“Wales led the way on voting to ban smoking in public places, followed by the rest of the UK.
“The immediate impact of the ban was a sharp drop in non-smoking adults being regularly exposed to other people’s smoke, and recent figures suggest this initial decrease in exposure has become a welcome trend.
