The smoking ban in enclosed public places and vehicles came into force in Wales on the 2nd April 2007 and all enclosed public places and work vehicles including public transportation vehicles are covered by the law.  The law was made because second hand smoke is harmful to people's health.

The law also includes public places that are substantially enclosed but not completely, like the shelters at Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station.  Further advice on what is substantially enclosed can be obtained from the Public Health Department. 

Premises and vehicle owners and managers are required to prevent smoking in places under their control and also to put no smoking signs up in prominent positions.

A specific advice sheet has been drafted for taxi services and can be found by clicking on the document to the right of this page.

Authorised enforcement officers of the Council monitor the ban in all enclosed and substantially enclosed places and vehicles in order to protect public health.

35 fixed penalties have been issued to date and two prosecutions have been taken for smoking and one for obstruction of an officer.

The maximum fines on prosecution are:
· Failing to display the correct no-smoking signs £1000 maximum
· Smoking in a smoke-free place £200 maximum
· Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place £2500 maximum
· Intentional obstruction of an enforcement officer £1000 maximum

The fixed penalties are:
- failing to display correct signage, a fixed penalty charge will be £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in full within the stipulated time). 
- smoking in a smoke-free premises, a fixed penalty charge will be £50 (reduced to £30 if paid within the stipulated time).

Anyone wishing to quit smoking can contact Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219.