03/04/2009 - 'Happy' anniversary for smoking ban
On the two-year anniversary of the smoking ban the Welsh Assembly Government has said smokers and businesses are abiding by the rules and not lighting up in enclosed public places.
In January, just three penalties were issued to smokers in Wales and only 1% of premises inspected were found to be breaking the law.
It is not yet known how much the ban has benefited health, but investigations have revealed air quality has improved in pubs and other venues with harmful particles cut by an average 77%.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Jewell said: "The introduction of the smoke-free legislation in Wales has gone smoothly with compliance remaining high.
"We have worked with local authorities and businesses across Wales to achieve this. As well as protecting people from second-hand smoke, the smoke-free legislation has acted as a stimulus for many people to quit."
Support for the ban among smokers has increased from 51% before to 62% since, according to the latest Welsh Omnibus Survey, while public support for the legislation is at 80%.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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