Mixed views on smoking proposals
SMOKING could be banned in town and city centres if the front runner to succeed Carwyn Jones becomes First Minister.
Welsh Labour leadership candidate Mark Drakeford included plans to extend the current smoking ban in his contest manifesto which was launched on Monday.
Currently smoking is not allowed in indoor public places, and will extend to the grounds of schools and hospitals by 2019.
Mr Drakeford said he wants to take this a step further, banning smoking in outdoor areas of cafes and restaurants and city and town centres.
It would make Wales the first country in the UK to ban smoking in city centres if the proposal comes to fruition.
Some people reacted positively to the plans, citing unpleasant experiences with smokers in the street.
Lyn Robbins said: “Fantastic idea. Only last week we were walking through our town centre and my 10-year-old grandson had smoke blown right in his face. Why should he have to put up with that when none of his family smoke?”
Anne Lewis said: “Great idea. So many times smokers have walked past in town and don’t seem to realise their cigarette is at a child’s eye level, particularly if an infant is in a pram. Yesterday my three-year-old daughter spotted something on the pavement and I stopped her from picking up a discarded smoking cigarette butt. It is not safe. If someone wants to smoke then please remain in your own environment, not where you could put members of the public at risk.
Some even felt the proposals didn’t go far enough.
Jimmy Edwards said: “Good. Should make smoking tobacco totally illegal. There is zero upsides to smoking. It kills, it stinks, it is expensive and it is very intrusive to non smokers.”
Kevin Howell said: “Excellent idea. One step closer to getting it completely off our streets.”
But there were also a lot of people who didn’t like the idea.
Heather Thrumble said: “So where should we smoke? We a [sic] can only go outside as it is! But nevermind about the drink and drugs situation and all the crime that comes with it?? Ridiculous!”
Linda Davies added: “Well that’s one way to drive shoppers out of the town or city centre. Much more important and urgent issues need to be acted on.”
Sian Locke said: “Personally I hate smoking, but what will happen to all the shops when smokers stay away from town/city centers [sic] and they all shop online instead?”