Welsh Liberal Democrats welcome smoking ban

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Sep 2006

Following the news that the Assembly is to ban smoking in all public places and workplaces in Wales from April 2007, health spokesperson Jenny Randerson said:

"This cross-party initiative is great news for Wales. It can only save lives. It is nearly four years since the Assembly voted to seek powers to ban smoking in Wales and it's a foretaste of the things we will be able to do with increased powers.

"I am also delighted that the ban will come into place before the next Assembly elections. However, we are now working to a tight timetable and businesses in Wales need time to prepare and adjust to the changes. I will be calling on the Government to inform businesses as well as the public in detail about the changes as soon as possible.

"Second-hand smoke is thought to cause over 400 deaths among non-smokers every year from lung cancer, respiratory illnesses and heart disease. A ban is good news for smokers and non-smokers across Wales."