A complete ban on the use of e-cigarettes in public places has been dropped by the Welsh Government.
Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said amendments would be made to the Public Health (Wales) Bill to ban the devices in schools, on public transport, and in places serving food.
Assembly Members debated the bill in the Senedd on Tuesday, December 8.
Speaking in the debate, Professor Drakeford said it was still his view that use of the devices should be banned in public places, but as a minister serving in a government without a majority, he had a responsibilty to “craft agreement where differences of view persist”.
The National Assembly’s Health and Social Care Committee recently published its report into the bill with members unable to fully agree on the proposed ban, although they welcomed all other aspects of it.
Labour AMs on the committee were in support of a ban, while Conservative members were against, joining the Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru members – including South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle.
The Public Health (Wales) Bill, also contains proposals to licence tattooists, piercers, acupuncturists and those carrying out electrolysis and the provision of public toilets by local councils.
Good, I’m glad opposition AMs were able to modify this legislation. These devices are the greatest aid ever produced to help smokers reduce smoking or give up entirely.