Thursday
25
April
Newtown schools' grounds to be smoking free
24/02/2021 @ 07:27
School grounds and playgrounds across the area will be smoke-free from 1 March.
The Wales-wide laws being introduced build on the smoking ban introduced in 2007 and will protect more people from the harms of second-hand smoke and help those trying to quit.
As well as school grounds and public playgrounds, the outdoor areas of children’s daycare and childminding settings and hospital grounds will also be smoke-free. Anyone found breaking the law could face a £100 fine.
Cllr Rosemarie Harris, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “We know the harm smoking can do to health, so I look forward to having the backing of those visiting our playgrounds and the staff, parents, guardians and visitors using our schools and care settings for children to ensure we all play our part in building a healthier future.”
Chief Executive of ASH Wales, an organisation on a mission to achieve a smoke-free Wales, Suzanne Cass, said: “Those who start smoking before the age of 16 are twice as likely to continue to smoke compared to those who begin later in life, and they are more likely to become heavier smokers.
“We know from the latest ASH Wales YouGov survey that 81% of adult smokers in Wales were aged 18 or under when they tried their first cigarette. It’s crucially important that we prevent today's young people from becoming the next generation of smokers.
“We hope this legislation will also pave the way for more public areas in Wales to go smoke-free.”
Those looking for help to stop smoking can access Wales’ free NHS support service Help Me Quit on 0800 085 2219 or visit www.helpmequit.wales for help and support, including access to free stop smoking medication.
The Wales-wide laws being introduced build on the smoking ban introduced in 2007 and will protect more people from the harms of second-hand smoke and help those trying to quit.As well as school grounds and public playgrounds, the outdoor areas of children’s daycare and childminding settings and hospital grounds will also be smoke-free. Anyone found breaking the law could face a £100 fine.
Cllr Rosemarie Harris, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “We know the harm smoking can do to health, so I look forward to having the backing of those visiting our playgrounds and the staff, parents, guardians and visitors using our schools and care settings for children to ensure we all play our part in building a healthier future.”
Chief Executive of ASH Wales, an organisation on a mission to achieve a smoke-free Wales, Suzanne Cass, said: “Those who start smoking before the age of 16 are twice as likely to continue to smoke compared to those who begin later in life, and they are more likely to become heavier smokers.
“We know from the latest ASH Wales YouGov survey that 81% of adult smokers in Wales were aged 18 or under when they tried their first cigarette. It’s crucially important that we prevent today's young people from becoming the next generation of smokers.
“We hope this legislation will also pave the way for more public areas in Wales to go smoke-free.”
Those looking for help to stop smoking can access Wales’ free NHS support service Help Me Quit on 0800 085 2219 or visit www.helpmequit.wales for help and support, including access to free stop smoking medication.
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