The Smoke-free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations 2007 prohibit smoking in enclosed public places, work places and work vehicles. Failing to display No Smoking signs is also an offence. The smoking ban applies to anything that can be smoked. This would therefore include cigarettes, pipes (including shisha and hookah pipes), cigars and herbal cigarettes. This was intended to ensure a healthier environment for everyone to work and relax in, free from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
The premises covered by the ban are essentially anywhere with a roof and which are enclosed by more than 50% walls – so that could include covered walkways in shopping malls etc. as well as shops, pubs and workplaces etc. The ban also covers work vehicles, including taxis and buses.
Research has shown that being exposed to second-hand smoke can increase a non-smoker's risk of getting lung cancer by 24% and the risk of getting heart disease by 25%. Exposure to second-hand smoke is also associated with many other medical conditions like respiratory disease and other types of cancer. Crucially, there is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke is defined as tobacco smoke from other peoples cigarettes and cigars. This smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals in the form of particles and gases (some of these chemicals are dangerous poisons), and just thirty minutes exposure is enough to reduce coronary blood flow.
Therefore, it was important for public health that smoke-free areas were designated to minimise these risks.
