Menu
02/04/2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Health Minister Mark Drakeford has published a White Paper setting out a number of radical legislative proposals including:
• Introducing a minimum price for alcohol of 50p per unit to reduce the harms associated with alcohol overuse and misuse
• Restricting the use of e-cigarettes in public places to address concerns these products normalise smoking and undermine the enforcement of the smoking ban
• Introducing a tobacco retailers' register requiring businesses to inform enforcement authorities if they sell tobacco, with stiffer penalties for those which sell to under 18s.
Speaking on the seventh anniversary of the introduction of the smoking ban in Wales, Professor Drakeford said: "Taking concerted, collective action to address public health concerns remains one of the most powerful contributions any government can make to the welfare and wellbeing of its population.
"Alcohol and tobacco contribute to many life-threatening illnesses and are major causes of persistent inequalities in health.
"There is indisputable evidence that the price of alcohol matters. It's no coincidence that as the affordability of alcohol has increased substantially, so has alcohol-related death and disease. A minimum unit price will make a strong contribution to preventing alcohol overuse and misuse and reducing alcohol-associated illnesses.
"I have concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes on the enforcement of Wales' smoking ban. That's why we are proposing restricting their use in enclosed public places.
"I am also concerned that their use in enclosed public places could normalise smoking behaviour.
"E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and I want to minimise the risk of a new generation becoming addicted to this drug.
"The proposals in the White Paper are based on good prudent healthcare principles – taking proportionate and preventative action to improve public health and reduce the likelihood of individuals becoming dependent on costly treatment later in life, when it might also be too late to make a lasting difference to their health."
(CVS/CD)
Health Minister Mark Drakeford has published a White Paper setting out a number of radical legislative proposals including:
• Introducing a minimum price for alcohol of 50p per unit to reduce the harms associated with alcohol overuse and misuse
• Restricting the use of e-cigarettes in public places to address concerns these products normalise smoking and undermine the enforcement of the smoking ban
• Introducing a tobacco retailers' register requiring businesses to inform enforcement authorities if they sell tobacco, with stiffer penalties for those which sell to under 18s.
Speaking on the seventh anniversary of the introduction of the smoking ban in Wales, Professor Drakeford said: "Taking concerted, collective action to address public health concerns remains one of the most powerful contributions any government can make to the welfare and wellbeing of its population.
"Alcohol and tobacco contribute to many life-threatening illnesses and are major causes of persistent inequalities in health.
"There is indisputable evidence that the price of alcohol matters. It's no coincidence that as the affordability of alcohol has increased substantially, so has alcohol-related death and disease. A minimum unit price will make a strong contribution to preventing alcohol overuse and misuse and reducing alcohol-associated illnesses.
"I have concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes on the enforcement of Wales' smoking ban. That's why we are proposing restricting their use in enclosed public places.
"I am also concerned that their use in enclosed public places could normalise smoking behaviour.
"E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and I want to minimise the risk of a new generation becoming addicted to this drug.
"The proposals in the White Paper are based on good prudent healthcare principles – taking proportionate and preventative action to improve public health and reduce the likelihood of individuals becoming dependent on costly treatment later in life, when it might also be too late to make a lasting difference to their health."
(CVS/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2005
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
15 May 2003
UK's first SARS case confirmed
The first case of SARS in the UK has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Following lab tests, the patient has been informed of their result, however no further details are available due to confidentiality reasons.
UK's first SARS case confirmed
The first case of SARS in the UK has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Following lab tests, the patient has been informed of their result, however no further details are available due to confidentiality reasons.
25 February 2011
New Public Health School Launched
A new public health research school designed to build closer relations between researchers and practitioners across Public Health England and Local Authorities was launched today by Public Health Minister Anne Milton.
New Public Health School Launched
A new public health research school designed to build closer relations between researchers and practitioners across Public Health England and Local Authorities was launched today by Public Health Minister Anne Milton.
16 November 2004
Limited public smoking ban doesn't go far enough, says BMA
The government's pledge to ban smoking in certain public places in England does not go far enough and current proposals may be difficult to enforce, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned.
Limited public smoking ban doesn't go far enough, says BMA
The government's pledge to ban smoking in certain public places in England does not go far enough and current proposals may be difficult to enforce, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
