Written question WQ88463

When the Public Health (Wales) Bill 2015 was introduced in June 2015, it included provisions to restrict the use of nicotine inhaling devices such as electronic cigarettes in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. This would have brought the use of these devices into line with existing provisions on smoking. However, the Bill was rejected by the Assembly at Stage 4 due to disagreement on the inclusion of the e-cigarette measures. The Bill was subsequently reintroduced by the Government and received Royal Assent in July 2017, but without the provisions on nicotine inhaling devices.

Whilst we have legislation in place to prevent smoking in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces, and recently strengthen our approach by making hospitals grounds, public playgrounds and school grounds smoke-free, these restrictions only apply to tobacco smoking. This means that an individual does not commit an offence if they were to use an e-cigarette/vape in a setting required to be tobacco smoke-free. Those responsible for specific places and settings can introduce voluntary, non-legislative requirements on e-cigarette use if they wish to and many businesses and organisations, including transport operators in Wales have done so.