The Chief Medical Officer for Wales has hailed the success of the smoking ban, six months after it was introduced.
Dr Tony Jewell said businesses have not suffered and the public’s health is improving since Wales went smokefree on 2 April.
He added: “The ban will, over time, dramatically improve the health of the people of Wales.
“The ban aimed to protect those workers who were suffering the deadly effects of second-hand smoke, but it was also hoped that the ban may encourage more smokers to give up.”
Figures released by the Welsh Assembly Government also show that 99% of premises have complied with the new legislation, and the Dr Jowell said the process has gone “smoothly”.
A total of 25 fixed-penalty notices have been issued in the country up to the end of August, all but one for smoking in a smokefree place. The other fine was for incorrect signage.
Studies of air quality carried out by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health in Wales also show there has been an increase in indoor air quality since the ban came into force, the Assembly Government said.
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