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Wales: New smoking law “unnecessary” and “wrong”

Thu 25th February, 2021

A new law banning smoking outside hospitals, schools and other outdoor areas in Wales from March 1, 2021, is "unnecessary" and "wrong" say campaigners.

Simon Clark, director of Forest, said:

"The new law is taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's unnecessary and wrong.

"There is no evidence that smoking in the open air poses a risk to anyone else's health, including children.

"Nor is there evidence that a significant number of people are routinely lighting up in the places where smoking will now be prohibited."

Clark said:

"Banning smoking on hospital grounds is particularly unjust because it targets smokers who may be stressed and in need of a comforting cigarette.

"It also discriminates against the elderly and infirm who may find it difficult to go off site without assistance."

He added:

"The extent to which the Welsh government is trying to micro-manage people's lives is increasingly unhealthy.

"Most smokers use their common sense and don't smoke around small children. They don't need politicians telling them how to behave.

"Enough is enough. Instead of more laws designed to penalise a legitimate habit, the government should focus on education not coercion."

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