Wales set to become first UK country to ban smoking outside hospitals, schools and playgrounds

People will not legally be allowed to smoke outside schools, hospitals and playgrounds by the summer of 2019
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Wales is set to be the first UK country to ban smoking in some outside areas.

By summer 2019 the country plans to ban smoking outside hospital grounds, school grounds and playgrounds.

The move aims to “further protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke” and “de-normalise” smoking the Welsh Government said.

While smoking is already banned outside the majority of schools and hospitals in Wales, it can be difficult for staff to enforce the policy.

The ban will make it illegal to smoke on hospital grounds with those caught flouting the rules facing fines.

Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, told the Mail Online: “I am proud that Wales continues to be at the forefront of UK action to reduce smoking and prevent young people from taking it up in the first place.

“We have seen significant changes to the attitudes to smoking since 2007. Back then we received some resistance to change, but we have seen a remarkable culture-change and I am pleased our plan to extend smoke-free areas to outdoor public spaces has received overwhelming public support.

“This is another step in the right direction to de-normalise smoking in Wales.”

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