Welsh smoking ban comes into force

Smokers in Wales were today banned from lighting up in indoor public places.

Smokers in Wales were today banned from lighting up in indoor public places.

Those flouting the new law - which came into force at 6am today - face a £50 fine.

The ban in Wales has been introduced by the Welsh Assembly three months earlier than in England, which follows suit on July 1st.

Landlords and managers of pubs, clubs, cafes and bars who do not display adequate no-smoking signs will be fined £200 and could also face a fine of up to £2,500 if they allow people to smoke on their premises.

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Anyone issued with a penalty notice can challenge it in court.

Ministers in Wales say the new legislation could prevent 400 deaths from passive smoking a year.

In Wales, there is no exemption for actors on stage and on film sets if their character is directed to smoke. Actors in England will be allowed to smoke on the night but not during rehearsals.