Wales to ban e-cigarettes in public places

While the debate over the risks of e-cigarettes continues to rage on, some governments aren't taking any chances and have enforced new rules to limit their use. Belgium and Spain have already introduced public bans, and now Wales is planning to do the same. The Welsh Government today announced that it will seek to prohibit vaping in "enclosed public spaces" as part of a new Public Health Bill designed to "protect the health and wellbeing" of people living in the country.

The Bill will ensure Wales becomes the first country in the UK to bring vaping into line with the existing ban on traditional cigarettes. Ministers don't appear to be focusing on the health effects of e-cigarettes, but are keen to limit the normalisation of smoking. It's argued that children may be incentivised to take up smoking if vaping is allowed in public spaces. The jury is still out while studies continue to assess the impact of e-cigarettes, but if Wales sets a hard line now, there's talk it might relax the rules if they're deemed safe in the future.