Parents to be fined £100 for smoking at school gates in tough new laws
PARENTS will be fined £100 for smoking in playgrounds and outside the school gates in tough new rules.
Mums and dads will have to stub out their cigarette even if there are no children present in an attempt to denormalise smoking.
The tough new rules, to be introduced in Wales from next month, will also stop homeowners smoking while they have workers round.
And smoking will be banned in self-contained holiday cottages, caravans and Airbnbs exactly a year later.
Welsh Government Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Reducing the number of young people taking up smoking will save lives.
"We know the harms smoking can do to health and so we’re introducing these new requirements for the benefit of future generations.
"Banning smoking outside hospitals and places where children and young people spend their time, such as public playgrounds and school grounds, will denormalise smoking and reduce the chances of children and young people starting smoking in the first place.
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"We are proud to be the first part of the UK to outlaw smoking in these areas and once again leading the way.”
The Minister for mental health, wellbeing and Welsh language said coronavirus motivated many smokers to quit.
But many must be provided with the best support for the "best chance to stop smoking for good," she added.