The 2007 Regulations were replaced by the Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020, made under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017. The Act re-stated the existing restrictions on smoking. It also extended the smoking ban to outdoor childcare settings, school grounds, public playgrounds, and hospital grounds. This came into force on 1 March 2021.
Additionally, the Act gives the Welsh Ministers powers to extend restrictions on smoking to further settings, where it’s considered that this is “likely to contribute towards the promotion of the health of the people of Wales”. ASH Wales Cymru is calling for the legislation to be extended to outdoor seating areas of pubs, cafes and restaurants. At present, this is at the discretion of individual local authorities and business owners.