Written question WQ95285

Since 2007, smoking has been prohibited in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. Some organisations have gone further than the legislation requires by introducing additional restrictions on smoking, such as on train platforms, and have also acted to prevent vapes use - on trains for example.

Our aim is to continue to denormalise tobacco use, and this type of voluntary action further protects public health and ensures all passengers can use services free from exposure to dangerous second-hand smoke or unwanted e-cigarette vapour. We therefore continue to expect British Transport Police to work with the train operators to manage enforcement of the legislation and their smoking and vaping bans effectively.

Officials regularly meet with Transport for Wales who operate all stations in Wales and will ensure this issue is raised with them so that any further support or actions required by the Welsh Government can be identified and progressed.

We are also working with governments from across the UK to take cross-government action on smoking and vape use via the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was introduced to UK Parliament on 5 November. As well as creating a smokefree generation by increasing the age of sale for tobacco and measures to tackle youth vaping, the Bill introduces powers to extend smoke-free laws so that they could also prohibit the use of vapes and heated tobacco products in specified areas where smoking is prohibited. These provisions extend to the whole of the UK. The Bill is currently being considered by Parliament and is at Committee stage. If the Bill is passed, the vape and heated tobacco free measures will be subject to consultation and guided by public health advice.