WALES is set to be the first country in the UK to extend its smoking ban to outdoor areas.

Smoke-free areas are expected to be in place in hospital grounds, school grounds and playgrounds by summer 2019.

The changes will make it illegal to smoke in the hospital grounds, with legal backing for fines to be issued to smokers breaking the rules.

Vaughan Gething, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, visited the maternity unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan. Staff told Mr Gething they had received complaints from mothers about people smoking outside the hospital when they enter and leave with their babies.

Mr Gething said: “I am proud that Wales continues to be at the forefront. We have seen significant changes to the attitudes to smoking since 2007.

"Back then, we received some resistance to change, but we have seen a remarkable culture-change and I am pleased our plan to extend smoke-free areas to outdoor public spaces has received overwhelming public support.

“This is another step in the right direction to de-normalise smoking in Wales.

Glan Clwyd Hospital’s management team have also received complaints about people smoking at the newly-refurbished main entrance and other entrances across the site.

Teresa Owen, executive director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), said: “A hospital is no place for smoking and the health board is determined to create a smoke-free environment.

“We receive numerous complaints about people smoking around the hospital, particularly near the main entrance. We need to find a way of ensuring our site is smoke free, while also supporting more patients, visitors and staff to quit.”

The changes to the smoke-free legislation will be introduced under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which was passed by Assembly Members last year.